PAKISTAN - The Pure Land

Pakistan, a country you must have heard of, but not always in a positive context. But I can assure you there's so much more to this country than you see on the media. As it celebrates its 70th independence day this 14th of August, let's take a trip through this South-Central Asian country that I proudly call my homeland!

Stunning Landscape

Pakistan houses some of the most beautiful valleys and magnificent peaks of the world which is sure to impress everyone!

Via pakistantoursguide.pk

Sharda, Azad Kashmir

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Ratti Gali Lake, Neelum valley

Dea / Getty Images / Via huffingtonpost.com

Indus Valley Civilization

Characterized by large, well-planned cities, refined monuments and a writing that is yet to be deciphered, this civilization is an attraction for anyone keen to learn what a modern society looked around 2000 BC - yes it's that old!

Housing some beautiful beaches, you sure are guaranteed a perfect view at sunset!

Flicker / Via pakistantravelplaces.com

Paradise point, Karachi

As evident from its name, this beach is considered heaven for photographers when the sun goes down between its rocky pillars.

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Kund Malir

This beach, known for its picturesque, romantic grace, is located in Balochistan and is a must-stop for beach lovers.

Aesthetic Architecture

If you're one of those that revel in history or like to roam about in malls, Pakistan is sure to offer it all!

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Pakistan Monument, Islamabad

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Badshahi Mosque, Lahore

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Lucky One Mall, Karachi

Recreational Activities

Whether you're into jet-skiing, skiing or para-gliding that gives you the adrenalne rush, Pakistan is surely going to give you an amazing experience!

Hiking Hunt

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Vibrant Culture

Wall Street Journal / Via si.wsj.net

People of Kalash Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Twitter / Via hilltimes.com

The Canadian prime minister is as famous in Pakistan as anywhere else as seen in this truck art.

Fareed Khan / AP / Via blogs.pjstar.com

Pakistani boys greet each other after praying on the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Lavish Weddings

Talk about culture and it's a sin to forget about wedding traditions. Pakistanis leave no expense to celebrate the union and enjoy the events that span a couple of weeks at the least!

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Via cdn2.thebigfatindianwedding.com

Scrumptious Cuisine

While we are at it, there's no way we're gonna leave behind food out of this! Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean... you name it, we have it! But we can all agree the best thing to offer here is biryani!

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Biryani

Cafe Liquiteria / Via cafeliquiteria.pk

Incredible People

Last but certainly not the least, Pakistanis are just great. They are some of the most hospitable and sincere, talented, hardworking people with a crazy sense of humor! Here are some stories posted by Humans Of New York from his trip to Pakistan awhile back:

Humans Of New York / Via humansofnewyork.com

“I was never educated because I began working when I was a child. I was always envious of the boys who got to wear uniforms and go to school. This is her first month of school. She comes home and tells me exactly what happened, everyday. I love it. If I’m not home for a few days, she’ll save up all her stories, then tell them to me all at once.”(Lahore, Pakistan)

Humans Of New York / Via humansofnewyork.com

“On her sixth birthday, two of her friends came over and brought her presents. One of the presents was big, and the other was small. The friend who’d brought the big present was laughing at the smaller present. It was so hard for me to not intervene. I was so used to telling my daughter how to act and what to say. But I decided that this time I’d sit back and see how she responded. “I like both my presents the same,” she said. And I remember feeling so proud, because I knew that what I’d been teaching her was working.”(Karachi, Pakistan)

Humans Of New York / Via humansofnewyork.com

“We lost by 47 runs yesterday. We’re not in good form because our moms won’t let us practice during exam time.”(Karachi, Pakistan)

Patriotism

Whether it's celebrating Independence day or Defense Day, or supporting our Cricket team or Pakistan Army, Pakistanis go all in for it!

Arif Ali / AFP / Via emirates247.com

Pakistanis waves their national flags during a flag hoisting ceremony to celebrate Pakistan's Independence Day on the Pakistan-India border at Wagah on August 14, 2013. Pakistan on August 14 celebrated its 66th anniversary of the country's independence from British rule.

Via i.dawn.com

At the end of the day, I just wanted to bring to light the side of Pakistan that is usually not portrayed out to the world, a side that shows what Pakistan stands for and has been fighting for: peace. These might be darker times for us, but our spirit lives on and in the near future will be able to eliminate the factors holding the nation back. Lots of love from Pakistan, Ciao!