Pakistan Newspapers | News websites Online.
Pakistan Overview
- Officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
- Fifth-most populous country with over 241.5 million people
- Capital: Islamabad; largest city: Karachi
- 33rd-largest country by area, bordered by India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China
Cultural and Historical Background
- Home to ancient cultures like the Neolithic Mehrgarh and Indus Valley Civilization
- Part of empires like Achaemenid, Mauryan, Mughal, and British Raj
Independence and Political History
- Gained independence in 1947 following the Pakistan Movement
- Initially a British Commonwealth dominion, became an Islamic republic in 1956
- East Pakistan seceded as Bangladesh in 1971
- Experienced alternating civilian and military rule
Current Status
- Declared nuclear weapon state with large armed forces
- Growing economy with an emerging middle class
- Faces challenges like poverty, illiteracy, and terrorism
- Member of several international organizations and a major non-NATO ally of the U.S.