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.
3.
Minar-e-Pakistan
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.
8.
Iqbal\'s Tomb
The
tomb of Allama Muhammad Iqbal at Lahore is an important national
monument. The tomb is located in the Hazuri Bagh between the Lahore Fort
and Badshahi Mosque. Set in beautiful red sandstone, Iqbal’s importance
to Pakistan renders this building historical significance.
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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