Pakistan is one of the most fascinating countries that one will ever visit. From its natural landscape, rich culture, and beautiful people, to its jaw-dropping scenery and food, there is something for everyone.
What makes this nation so interesting? These intriguing, fun facts are sure to answer your question!
1. Origin of the World’s Three Major Religions
Pakistan is the origin of three major religions worldwide. The religions include Vedic Hinduism, Kanphata Gorakh Hinduism Sect, Buddhism of the Theraveda Sect, and Sikhism, although 96% of Pakistanis today are Muslims.
2. Pakistan’s Genetic Makeup Comes from Greek Ancestors
Did you know the Central Asians invaded Pakistan back in 2000 BC? This invasion resulted in a pool of fair genes, including green-eyed and blonde people, particularly in the North and West regions of the country.
3. K2 is the Second Highest Mountain
K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world standing in Pakistan. The first is Mount Everest at 8,849 meters. The K2 mountain falls in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan and lies within the Karakoram range.
There are several names for this mountain, which include, “The King of Mountains, The Mountain of Mountains and The Mountaineer’s Mountain.”
4. Pakistan’s National Drink is Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane, or “roh,” is now the country’s national drink and was declared so after conducting a poll on Twitter. There two other options were orange juice and carrot juice, but sugar juice received the maximum votes. Orange juice earned only 15% of votes, while carrot juice about 4%.
5. Pakistan is Home to Noble Prize Winners
Pakistan has produced two Nobel laureates. In 1979, Abdus Salam received the Nobel Prize in Physics, and Malala Yousafzai received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She was only 17 at the time, making her the youngest laureate ever.
6. Pakistan is Home to World’s Only Fertile Desert
The Tharparkar desert is the world’s only fertile desert in Pakistan’s Sindh Province. It is also the 18th largest desert in the world.
The land’s fertility has enhanced its beauty with naturally grown trees and flowers. Tharkapar desert is so captivating during the rainy season that it continues to draw local and international visitors.
7. Home to Over 400 Magnificent Mountain Peaks
Pakistan has over 4,500 peaks above 6,000 meters and 108 above 7,000 meters. Pakistan is home to 5 of the world’s 14 highest mountain peaks. The Karakoram mountain range contains the majority of the country’s tallest peaks.
8. Pakistani People are Not Bookish
Most Pakistani people are not bookworms, with many not reading anything beyond the Quran, also known as the Holy Book of Muslims. They only go through books based on their course syllabus.
9. High Population Rate with Lowest Divorce Rates
Pakistan is home to a population of 200 million people and is the 6th largest country in terms of growth, with a growth rate of 3% annually.
Sadly, it has a high child mortality rate but fortunately, with few divorces. Pakistanis typically marry young, remain married, and are adept at making many babies.
10. Pakistan Imports About 70% of its Fuel
Pakistan produces around 64% of its electricity from fossil fuels and imports around 70% of that fuel. This is why this country’s economy struggles since much of its wealth goes into fuel purchases.
11. A Lake with Teardrops in Pakistan
Ansoo Lake, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, is shaped like a teardrop. It is one of the highest lakes standing in the Himalayan Range, standing 4,245 meters or 13,927 feet above sea level.
The lake’s name derives from the Urdu word “ansoo,” which means “teardrop.” Pakistan Air Force pilots discovered the lake while flying low over the area in 1993.
12. Pakistan’s National Dish is Nihari
The Nihar is Pakistan’s popular dish that originated from the subcontinent of India. It’s a simple stew that consists of slow-cooked meat, typically beef, chicken, or lamb. I highly recommend this dish when visiting Pakistan.
13. Many Elected Prime Ministers Haven’t Completed Their 5 Years
Being a Prime Minister in Pakistan can be dangerous, with many struggling to complete their 5 years of tenure. Several were removed by the army, hanged, exiled, jailed, or just dismissed. One was even assassinated! Even if offered a million-dollar salary, this is one career jump I’ll never make.
14. Pakistan Only Provides Three Streams of Education
Pakistan has only three streams of education for its people.
| Rich people | Typically sends their kids to private schools where English is the main language, often with a western curriculum |
| Middle class | Sends their children to government schools |
| Poor families | Can only afford religious schools |