Federal Republic of Pakistan

Federal Republic of Pakistan
Conventional long name	Federal Republic of Pakistan
Common name	Pakistan
Capital	Islamabad
Largest city	Karachi
Official languages	Urdu, English
Government type	Federal parliamentary republic
Area km2	881913
Population estimate	240 million
Currency	Pakistani rupee
Calling code	+92

Federal Republic of Pakistan Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic in South Asia, situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean. It shares borders with India, China, Afghanistan, and Iran, and has coastline on the Arabian Sea. Pakistan's geopolitical position links it to regional frameworks including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and relationships with states such as the United States, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the People's Republic of China.

Etymology and official nomenclature

The name "Pakistan" was coined in the 20th century alongside movements like the All-India Muslim League and personalities including Chaudhry Rahmat Ali, which intersect with debates around the Two-Nation Theory and the Lahore Resolution of 1940. Official symbols such as the State Emblem of Pakistan and legal texts like the Constitution of Pakistan fix the country's formal title and designate capitals and provinces, while diplomatic instruments reference the nation in accords such as the Simla Agreement and bilateral treaties with states like Afghanistan and China.

History

Territorial histories incorporate ancient polities including the Indus Valley Civilization, the Achaemenid Empire, and the Maurya Empire, and later dynasties such as the Ghazanavid Empire and the Mughal Empire. The region experienced incursions by the Timurid Empire and the Sikh Empire before colonial conquest by the British East India Company and integration into the British Raj. Political movements led by figures such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, and organizations like the Muslim League culminated in the 1947 partition with Indian Independence Act 1947 and the creation of separate states including Pakistan and India. Post-independence events span the First Kashmir War, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 involving the Pakistan Armed Forces and resulting in the independence of Bangladesh, constitutional developments under leaders such as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, conflicts like the Kargil War, and engagements in the War on Terror following the September 11 attacks with international actors including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United States Department of Defense.

Geography and environment

Pakistan's topography ranges from the high mountain systems of the Karakoram and the Himalayas—home to K2 and regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan—to the plains of the Indus River basin, and the Thar Desert near Sindh and Rajasthan. Coastal ecosystems along the Makran Coast front the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, while ecological concerns engage institutions like the International Union for Conservation of Nature and treaties addressing climate change alongside national agencies such as the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Conservation efforts intersect with sites like the Kirthar National Park and Deosai National Park, transboundary water management involves accords like the Indus Waters Treaty and neighbours such as India and Afghanistan.

Government and politics

Pakistan's political system is defined by the Constitution of Pakistan and institutions including the Parliament of Pakistan with its Senate of Pakistan and National Assembly of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan as head of state and the Prime Minister of Pakistan as head of government. Major political parties include the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), the Pakistan Peoples Party, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, while the Supreme Court of Pakistan interprets constitutional law. Civil-military relations involve the Pakistan Armed Forces, the Inter-Services Intelligence, and historical interventions such as the military governments of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf. Foreign relations engage multilateral forums like the United Nations and bilateral ties with powers such as the People's Republic of China and the United States.

Economy

Pakistan's economy encompasses sectors including agriculture in the Indus Basin, manufacturing in urban centers like Karachi and Lahore, and services tied to finance regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan and institutions such as the World Bank. Trade corridors including the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor link to regional projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, while exports feature textiles sold in markets such as the European Union and inputs like cotton from regions including Punjab. Economic challenges involve fiscal policy with actors like the International Monetary Fund, infrastructure investment in ports such as Port of Gwadar, and development planning by agencies like the Planning Commission of Pakistan.

Demographics and society

Pakistan's population comprises diverse ethnolinguistic groups including the Punjabis, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Baloch people, and Muhajirs, speaking languages such as Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi and Balochi. Urbanization centers include Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad–Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. Social institutions range from religious authorities such as the Council of Islamic Ideology to educational establishments like the University of Punjab, the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Aga Khan University. Public health and welfare interact with organizations like the World Health Organization and national bodies such as the Pakistan Medical Commission.

Culture and national identity

Cultural life reflects syncretic traditions visible in Mughal architecture monuments like the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort, musical forms including Qawwali and artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and literary contributions from figures such as Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Allama Iqbal. Visual arts and cinema draw on studios and festivals in Lollywood and contemporary creators, while sports fandom centers on cricket teams such as the Pakistan national cricket team and events like the Cricket World Cup. National symbols include the Flag of Pakistan, the National Anthem of Pakistan composed by Hafeez Jullundhri, and commemorations of dates linked to leaders such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah and observances like Pakistan Day.

Category:Countries in Asia