Pakistan
The more elusive Himalayan destination of Pakistan is home and heir to one of world history’s most storied civilizations, the people of the Indus Valley. There lies a land of all seasons, including the second-highest mountain peak in the world K2 and the famous passage along the Silk Road, Karakoram highway, often called the eighth wonder of the world. Islamabad or “City of Islam” has been the nation’s capital since 1963, while along the coast of the Arabian Sea stands the country’s largest city and financial capital, Karachi, the city that never sleeps. Worldwide fans of butter chicken will salivate thinking about Lahore, the traditional capital of Punjab, where Mughal and Sikh legacies still strongly live on. There is a traditional saying that “in every Lahori, there is a Mughal prince.” Today, it can also be said that in every Pakistani lies a future international cricketer, including former national captain and current Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In his first ever round of quick-fire questions, get to know the Pakistan Consul General in Hong Kong, Bilal Ahmad Butt. What is his favorite travel spot in Pakistan? What are some of his favorite Pakistani films? Who is his favorite Pakistani artist? Head on over here to watch!
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Hear from Pakistan Consul General in Hong Kong, Bilal Ahmad Butt, as he highlights the latest business opportunities between Pakistan and Hong Kong, the Pakistani community in Hong Kong and three facts about Pakistan that he wants you to know about.
Pakistan is unrivaled when it comes to having abundant exquisite sceneries, including some of the world’s highest mountain ranges. Journey through its breathtaking varied landscapes, rich culture, and fast booming economy, and take a look at its major architectural landmarks across the country!
Pakistani cuisine derives from its ethnic and cultural diversity, a blend of regional cooking traditions of the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and its Mughal legacy. Its food also reflects Iranian, Afghani, Persian, and Western influences to give it its unique character. Learn more about Pakistan’s gastronomic culture!
Syed Asim Hussain, Co-Founder of Black Sheep Restaurants, is the youngest restaurateur in the world to have two Michelin stars under his belt, 1 Michelin star for Belon and New Punjab Club, respectively. In an exclusive and his first-ever round of 56 quick-fire questions, get to know Asim’s thoughts and interests! Is there a new skill he would like to master? If he could be any superhero, who would it be? What is the worst idea he has ever had? Filmed in one shot and one take across Fukuro and Ho Lee Fook in SoHo.
In 2019, New Punjab Club, a tandoor grill house in Central, became the world's first Punjabi restaurant to receive 1 Michelin star, which it has retained in the 2020 Michelin Guide. In an exclusive and his first cooking demonstration video at New Punjab Club, chef Palash Mitra cooks up a storm in the kitchen, preparing signature Tandoori Cobia and Samosa Chaat. Palash is Culinary Director of South Asian Cuisines at Black Sheep Restaurants, overseeing Hotal Colombo and Rajasthan Rifles, in addition to New Punjab Club
Qasim Aslam is Co-Founder of The History Project, an education enterprise inculcating critical thinking and tolerance amongst students in their formative years through activity-based learning approaches. Its publications juxtapose contrarian textbook history perspectives and combine them with arts to produce engaging educational materials. Qasim, an alumnus of our Asia 21 network, writes about the History Project and its latest initiatives, including Beyond the Classrooms Accelerated Learning Programs.
Meet Anam Zakaria from Lahore, an alumnus of our Asia 21 network. She is an author and educationist with an interest in oral histories, identity politics, and narratives of conflict. Anam has worked as Director at The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, collecting oral histories from the Partition generation and religious minorities of Pakistan, and continues this line of work as an independent oral historian and cultural facilitator. She talks about her latest book, misconceptions Indians have about Pakistan and vice versa, and identity politics.
Did you know that Pakistan means “land of the pure”? Here are 10 fascinating facts about Pakistan!
Pakistan Monument, a national monument and heritage museum in Islamabad, was constructed to symbolize the unity of the Pakistani people. Take a virtual tour!
The markhor is Pakistan’s national animal.“Markhor” is a combination of two Persian and Pashto words: “Mar” means snake and “khor” eater. Learn about the wild goat.
In January 2019, the Pakistan government declared sugarcane juice as the country’s national drink, following a poll on Twitter.
K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen or Chhogori, is the second highest mountain in the world at 8611m above sea level. It is just 237m shorter than Mount Everest. Check out the highest peaks in Pakistan!
The Karakoram Highway, also referred to as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, is 1300km long and the world’s highest paved road, passing through Karakoram mountain range at a maximum elevation of 4714m.
Did you know the Faisal Mosque, located in the capital Islamabad, can accommodate 100,000 worshippers at a time? It is the world’s fourth largest mosque and biggest religious building of its type in South Asia.
While Islam is the largest and state religion of Pakistan, the country has been a cradle of Buddhist art and culture, and the second holy land of Buddhism for over a thousand years.Take a look at its Buddhist heritage!
Lahore is the second most populous city in Pakistan after Karachi. It is also known as the “City of Gardens” due to its many parks. It is a key cultural center, with its major Urdu film industry Lollywood based there.
Gilgit Baltistan may be the most spectacular region of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic beauty. It is also home to some of the world’s highest mountain ranges, five of the “eight thousanders" and more than 50 peaks above 7000m.
Pakistan's national sport is field hockey, in which the country has achieved success at the Hockey World Cup and Olympics. Watch the top 10 Pakistan men's hockey goals!
Did you know Pakistan has the highest polo ground in the world? It is located at Shandur Top at 3700m, where the traditional game of polo was started by Balti Prince Ali Sher Khan. The Shandur Polo Festival has been held annually since 1936.
Consul General’s Top 5 Picks: Movies
5. Maula Jat
Consul General’s Top 5 Picks: Books
3. The Elusive Quest for Growth
5. Labbaik
Enjoy the digital collection on everything Pakistan of the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world!
Asia Society Hong Kong Center has hosted distinguished Pakistani leaders across the arts, culture, business and policy over the years. View our Pakistan programs!