Capital Cities in Pakistan

Following are the federal and provincial capital cities of Pakistan.

Islamabad lies at the base of the Margalla Hills adjacent to Rawalpindi, Punjab, on the north side. It became Pakistan's capital in 1959. The ground breaking started in October 1961. In relatively short span, Islamabad has become one of the most impressive capitals in the world, exuding hope and confidence in Pakistan's future.

The capital city of Sindh was the capital city of Pakistan until 1959 and birth place of the Quaid-I-Azam. Karachi rubs shoulders with most of the industrialised cities of the world, boasting massive business and commercial centres, tall buildings and beautiful beaches. Karachi, the main seaport of Pakistan also serves as Naval Centre and houses Pakistan National Shipping Corporation.

The Capital of Punjab is historical city which proudly hosted the passing of Pakistan Resolution in 1940 by Muslims League under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-I- Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Lahore is also a proud custodian of Pakistan's historical and cultural h eritage. Being the centre of cultural and literary activities it may rightly be called the cultural capital of Pakistan. The warm and receptive people of Lahore are known for their traditional hospitality.

Boasting of rich and varied traditions and culture, Peshawar the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is city of lion-hearted people, the proud Pathans.

Like other main cities, Peshawar also houses impressive historical places, like Qissakhwani Bazaar, Masjid Mahabat Khan.

Nestling in the picturesque valley between the Murad and Chiltan mountains, Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, is located on the cross-roads leading towards Iran. Quetta takes pride in producing onyx, and onyx-products, and a variety of juicy and dry fruits. Pakistan is a land of many splendours, with rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. With a varied terrain ranging from the snow-capped mountains in the north to the sunny beaches in the south, Pakistan abounds in tourist attractions.

What makes Quetta and Ziarat valleys the tourists' attraction is that the former is rich in archaeological sites while the latter is surrounded by one of the oldest Juniper forests in the world. Some trees are well over 5,000 years old. In addition, fruit orchards, spread in acres, provide a variety of delicious fruits as apple, black cherry, plums, peaches, pomegranate, apricots, olives etc, and enhance to the beauty of the valleys.