1.
Ali Masjid
Ali Masjid is a mosque situated along the Khyber Pass that snakes through the
border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to the legend, the mosque derives
its name from the Islamic caliph, Hazrat Ali; local traditions put that he
traveled the area. True or false, the mosque gives a spectacular image and
serves as a stopping point along the way, which has served as a gateway to the
empires.
2.
Bab-e-Pakistan
Although not completed, the Bab-e-Pakistan monument seeks to honor the
thousands of Muslim families who chose to migrate to the newly-created state of
Pakistan in 1947. The monument is located in Lahore and the plan was originally
conceived under the military regime of Zia-ul-Haq. Subsequent political tussles
couldn't materialize its construction in time and the project is still in
process at the moment.
Literally meaning the “Tower of Pakistan,” the Minar was completed during a
span of eight years from 1960 to 1968. The monument is located on the same
grounds where the famous Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940. The Resolution
demanded separate states for the Muslims of the then-India, thus fusing the
creation of Pakistan with the minaret. Such has been its importance that when
Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee came to Pakistan, he visited the tower which
washed away any misconception of India's reluctance in accepting Pakistan as a
state.
4.
Pakistan Monument
Completed in three years from 2004 to 2007, the Pakistan Monument is a
symbolic representation of the four provinces of the country. Situated in
Islamabad at a public park, the Monument attracts visitors who are amazed at its
architectural brilliance. The interior of its huge petals is decorated with
beautiful Islamic murals.
5.
Lahore Fort
As the name suggests, this fort is situated in the city of Lahore – in fact,
it is one of the prized buildings of the walled-city of Lahore or Old Lahore.
Although the origins of the fort are older, the present structure is said to
have been built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The Fort itself acted as a
geo-strategic site that met Kashmir, the Afghan areas, and Multan. Decorated
with Mughal architecture, the Fort complex includes such architectural marvels
as Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) and Badshahi Mosque.
6.
Shalimar Bagh
Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Shalamar Bagh is one of the most
beautiful sites in Pakistan. Its gardens and refreshing fountains attract a
large number of visitors. The site consists of three levels of garden terraces
which were watered by a canal; which also waters the exquisite marble terrace.
It has a total of 410 fountains at all levels and a large variety of fruit
trees.
7.
Quaid\'s Residency
Situated in Ziarat, a hill station in Balochistan province, the Residency was
where Pakistan's founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent the last days of
his life. The ailing Jinnah was recommended a rest and Ziarat was the best
choice for its fragrance and fresh mountain air. There, the Residency, a wooden
structure, provided the founder with the perfect retreat.
9.
Islamia College
Situated in Peshawar, Islamia College was established in 1913 by Nawab Sir
Sahabzada Abdul Qayyum and Sir George Roos Kepel. The idea of Abdul Qayyum, an
educationist-cum-politician, was to build an educational institute that imparts
modern education to the Muslims. Later on, the students of Islamia College
played an important role in the movement of independence for Pakistan; even
Jinnah visited the College thrice.
10.
Mazar-e-Quaid
Situated in Karachi, Mazar-e-Quaid is the tomb of Pakistan's founder Muhammad
Ali Jinnah. Established in 1970, the tomb is an iconic representation of the
city of Karachi. Every year, on national holidays, the site is visited by
prominent leaders to pray tribute to Jinnah. Not only the founder, but other
prominent leaders, namely Liaqat Ali Khan, Abdur Rab Nishtar, Fatima Jinnah, and
Nur-ul-Amin are also buried in the same mausoleum.
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