10 Facts About Pakistan That Will Blow Your Mind

BY S. F. ELSA - JUNE, 24TH 2014

You may have heard about Pakistan in relation to Brazuca – the official football that was made here for FIFA World Cup 2014. Or you may have heard some unfortunate news about this country on media channels.  Today we have gathered 10 facts about Pakistan which you do not see every day on television. These facts will blow your mind and may even change your perspective of the country.

1- Highest Mountain Ranges In The World

The world’s highest mountain ranges exist in this country. They include the Himalayas and HinduKush range in which four mountains are present in the list of 14 highest peaks in the world.  K-2, the world’s second highest peak, is also located in Pakistan.

 2- Largest Deep Sea Port in the world

Gwadar port is the largest deep sea port in the world, located on the southwestern Arabian Sea along the coast line of Balochistan, Pakistan. This  port is considered a lifeline in the region’s economy. Pakistan has agreed on a collaboration with China  to turn Gwadar into a full scale commercial port.

3- Highest paved International Road

Do you know the “eighth wonder of the world” is located in Pakistan? Karakoram Highway has been constructed at a height of 15,397 ft between China and Pakistan. It is one of the popular tourist attraction in the region.

4- Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

Khewara Salt Mines are the world’s second largest and Pakistan’s oldest salt mines.  It was discovered by Alexander’s troops in 320 B.C. These salt mines are the largest source of salt in the world producing 350,000 tons per year. However, the salt mines reserves are estimated to be about 600 million tons.

5- One of the Largest Desert In The World

Thar desert is located on the border of Pakistan and India. It is the world’s ninth largest sub-tropical desert. This desert is about 10,000 years old and was once a water source for Indus Valley Civilization.

6- Highest Polo Ground in the World

Shandur Top is located in Gilgit, Pakistan and called “Roof of the World” elevated at 12,200 ft. Every year a polo match is played between Gilgit and Chitral teams. People from all around the world come to watch this match.

7- Largest Irrigation System of The world

The world’s largest irrigation network are present in Pakistan. It serves 14.4 million hectares of cultivated land. The irrigation system is fed by water from the Indus River. The main features of the system are  its three major storage reservoirs, namely, Tarbela and Chashma on the River Indus and Mangla on the River Jhelum; 19 barrages; 12 inter-river link canals and 43 independent irrigation canals with the total length of the main canals is 58,500 km.

8- Largest Ambulance Network in the World

Edhi Foundation is the world’s largest non-profit social welfare organization. This organization provides 24-hour emergency services, medical & healthcare services and shelter for orphans.  Abdul Sattar Edhi started the service from a single room and now it has over 300 centers all over the country. It has branches in other countries such as UK, USA, Canada, Japan and China.

9- First Islamic Country To Attain Nuclear Power

Pakistan became the first Islamic country to become Nuclear Power on 28th May 1998.  The country ensured its solidarity in the face of threats from its long time nemesis neighboring country.

10- More than 50% of World Footballs are made in Pakistan

Sialkot is a city famous for making sports equipment.  Hand-stitched footballs are a trademark of this city. Around 60 milion hand-stitched footballs are produced in world cup year in small firms in Sialkot, Pakistan. This year 42 million official football Brazuca were exported to Brazil for FIFA World Cup 2014.  Even NASA tested this football and declared it the best football ever made.