Looking for a cool escape in this harsh weather? Well, pack your bags and head towards Kalam Valley that is not only relatively colder but extremely beautiful and serene as well – giving you a refreshing break from a monotonous routine.

Situated in the upper reaches of Swat Valley, Kalam Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in Pakistan. 

It is surrounded by lush green hills, thick forests and bestowed with mesmeric lakes, meadows and waterfalls making it a perfect location to spend a weekend away from home. 

The valley offers every luxury to nature lovers and adventure seekers, however, to explore its over 50 glacial lakes one has to trek on the narrow bends and steep cliffs – making it a great holiday experience.

Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Swat State in 1961 rightly called it the Switzerland of the East as Swat is an abode of high mountains, green meadows, tall waterfalls and clear lakes.

This valley is amazing and enchanting for its serenity and beauty. It gives respite from the busy and noisy daily life in the city. 

One should definitely go there to relax and regain some peace of mind as there is very little to no population and noise there. 

Kalam has extensive number of elevated icy lakes, among them Mahodand lake and Kundol lake are extremely prominent because of their simplicity of availability. Yet, others like Izmis lake, which is situated in closeness with Kundol lake is one of the staggering one in the locale. The vast majority of these lakes are available through dull trekking over rich green trails over the way.

Nature is at its full bloom in the entire valley, right from Anakar to the lake, where one can enjoy the blue streams gushing passionately, the lush green pastures, the thick forests and the colourful small flowers that welcome visitors with their fragrance.

With a gentle and by and large warm and calm atmosphere, Kalam highlights a sticky subtropical atmosphere. 

The normal temperature in Kalam is 13.4 °C, while the yearly precipitation midpoints 639 mm. Indeed, even in the driest months, there is a great deal of precipitation. 

So if you are planning to spend a weekend away from the city life, head over to Kalam Valley now! 

Jimmy Nelson has traveled to the world’s most hidden corners to photograph indigenous peoples. In 2013 he published his first book ‘Before They Pass Away’, with which his lifelong dream, to create awareness about the world’s unimaginable diversity, became reality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Junaid Jamshed Mosque, a Karachi mosque built in the memory of late religious scholar, Junaid Jamshed, that had been under-construction for a while now, finally opened its doors to general public on Wednesday, 23rd May 2018.

Singer Chowrangi in Korangi’s J. Unit Two area, the mosque has been built to commemorate the life of late singer-turned-evangelist, Junaid Jamshed.

The news of this mosque’s opening was shared by Sanam Baloch, a TV show anchor.

“The Junaid Jamshed Masjid’ has been inaugurated today at Singer Chowrangi, Korangi at J. Unit 2, Karachi. Such a beautiful mosque. It has been named in loving memory of our beloved and dearest JJ. Please do remember Junaid Bhai in your prayers,” she tweeted. 

‘Junaid Jamshed Masjid’ has been inaugurated today at Singer Chowrangi #Korangi at J. Unit 2, #Karachi. Such a beautiful mosque. The mosque has been named in loving memory of our beloved and dearest #JJ. Please do remember Junaid Bhai in your prayers! #JunaidJamshed #Ramazan pic.twitter.com/dQ52QCam2G

— Sanam Baloch (@SanamBalochfans) May 22, 2018

On December 7, 2016, flight PK-661 crashed near Havelian KPK after one of its two turboprop engines reportedly failed while travelling from Chitral to Islamabad, killing 47 people on board, including our beloved scholar, Junaid Jamshed.

Before turning towards religion, Junaid Jamshed was the lead vocalist of a popular boy band named Vital Signs. He changed his route at the climax of his singing career to follow religion actively which is why everyone respected him even more.

In one of his interviews with the Express Tribune, he was asked what compelled him to change his path towards religion. He stated, “When I saw Muslims the world over suffering in one form or another, it started to play on my mind.”

“I started interacting with religious scholars busy finding ways of arresting the ummah‘s decline. The very thought that they were thinking about my family, the ummah and I was very noble.”

“Here, I was living in a very selfish world; all we did was think about ourselves and not care about anyone else. All that affected me,” he added.

Junaid Jamshed left a legacy behind him that continues to inspire hundreds every day.

The United Arab Emirates announced decisions that included the provision of Residency visas of up to 10 years for investors and professionals and their families. In addition, this visa is also available to deserving students with a bright future ahead of them.

The cabinet announced the launch of an integrated visa system to attract talent in all sectors of the economy of UAE. The new visa system will grant investors and talents up to 10-year residency visas for specialists in medical, scientific, research and technical fields, as well as for all scientists and innovators as well as five-year residency visas for students studying in the UAE, and 10-year visas for exceptional students. The UAE official News agency has released this news and is a great opportunity for people looking for exposure.

The meeting also announced changes in the system of foreign ownership of companies in the country, which allows the acquisition of 100 percent by global investors by the end of the year, which would prove to be a great shift in the policy of UAE officials. According to the existing laws, foreigners generally cannot own more than 49 percent of any UAE firm unless it is incorporated in a special “free zone”. This policy deterred many investors from all over the world which did not show any interest in profit sharing with another person simply because of the reason that he or she was born in UAE. Would you consider this policy racist? Narcissistic? Arrogant? Whatever we may consider it to be, it has benefited their local people to a great extent over the past year. But with the decision to change this, it may have dire consequences for the local people of UAE.

The UAE cabinet which is chaired by Vice President of UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have approved the decision held at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. The official meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan along with other state ministers.

Art by Wasif has to be one of our favorite photography Facebook pages, and the man has outdone himself once again with this brilliant Facebook album with a caption “Lahore Lahore Hai”

The images show true depiction of the glorious city of Lahore with its cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. There may be political turmoil in Lahore but it takes more than mere political conflict to kill the spirit of Lahore. You cant not fall in love with Lahore after looking at this pictures. You know what they say, “Beauty lies in the lens of the beholder.”

Picture Credit: Art by Wasif

“Bird’s Eye Lahore” was another incredible video that Wasif made of Lahore that went viral in 2017 and for all the right reasons. Watch in HD.

Lahore is the capital city of the Pakistani province of Punjab, and is the country’s second-most populous city after Karachi. The city is located in the north-eastern end of Pakistan’s Punjab province, near the border with the Indian state of Punjab.

Lahore is the historic cultural center of the Punjab region, and is one of Pakistan’s most socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities in Asia.

K2 is, without a shred of doubt, a savage mountain that tries to kill you. Located at the Pakistan-China border, this second highest peak in the world has taken over 70 lives in the last few years.

It rises steeply above the Karakoram Range and offers a deadly challenge even for the world’s best mountaineers.

It is more difficult and hazardous to reach the peak of K2 from the Chinese side, so it is usually climbed from the Pakistani side.

With around 300 successful summits and 77 fatalities, about one person dies on the mountain for every four who reach the summit.

K2 has never been climbed during winter. Ascents have almost always been made in July and August (the warmest times of year).

K2 is so deadly because of the combination of elements. It is about 800 feet lower than Everest, but the topography is much tougher.

Climbing Everest you have stretches that are steep, then it flattens off. Very little of K2 ever flattens off. There’s a shoulder at about 24,000 feet when it flattens off briefly but that’s about the only respite.

On top of that, it’s also avalanche and rock fall-prone. It’s within the death zone, defined as above 25,000 feet. And the weather is terrible and unpredictable.

The name K2 is derived from the notation used by the Great Trigonometric Survey of British India. Thomas Montgomerie made the first survey of the Karakoram from Mount Haramukh, some 210 km (130 miles) to the south, and sketched the two most prominent peaks, labeling them K1 and K2.

The policy of the Great Trigonometric Survey was to use local names for mountains wherever possible and K1 was found to be known locally as Masherbrum. K2, however, appeared not to have acquired a local name, possibly due to its remoteness so the name K2 stuck.

11th largest city of Pakistan, Bahawalpur forms part of the region of Southern Punjab. It holds a great historic significance and boasts a treasure of historic buildings, monuments many have not heard of.

It was an independent state until the creation of Pakistan in 1947. The town of Bahawalpur was built in about 1780 on an old site. It was Nawab Bahawal Khan I (1746 to 1749) who laid the foundation of Baghdad-Ul-Jadidin 1748 and made it as his capital. Historical record shows that before the Sikh rule in Punjab the area of Bahawalpur was much greater. Apart from the entire Dera Ghazi Khan district, some parts of Sukkur, Multan, Sahiwal and Muzzafargarh districts were also included in it.

It’s time to put on your travel shoes, because these photos will definitely make you want to head out to Bahawalpur.

1. Noor Mahal and its stunning interior should be added to your itinerary. 

2. It’s definitely worth a visit. 

Noor Palace in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Photo submitted by @aabbiidd / Dawn Community You can also submit photos to us by using the hashtag #dawndotcom #bahawalpur #noorpalace #pakistan #palace #architecture #dawncommunity

A post shared by Dawn (@dawn_dot_com) on Sep 29, 2015 at 6:05am PDT

3. Tomb of Bibi Jawindi in Uch Sharif is a sight worth traveling 73 kms outside of Bahawalpur for. 

4. .. Definitely!

Tomb of Bibi Jawindi in Uch Sharif, Punjab, Pakistan Photo submitted by @myselfkumail The #Tomb of Bibi Jaiwindi — a #UNESCO World Heritage Site — was built in 1493 by an Iranian prince. Over the centuries, the tomb has badly disintegrated due to environmental conditions. Today, only the remaining half of the #structure is still standing. You can also submit your photos to us by using #dawndotcom #monument #shrine #Pakistan #punjab #history #photography #travel #heritage

A post shared by Dawn (@dawn_dot_com) on Jun 24, 2015 at 4:28am PDT

5. Central Library is an architectural marvel.

Central #Library #Bahawalpur #punjab #Pakistan

A post shared by Alija_MN (@aalija_mn) on Dec 20, 2013 at 3:15am PST

6. Visible from several miles in Cholistan desert, the majestic Derawar Fort is a sight not to miss.

7. I can’t emphasize enough on just how beautiful the palaces in Bahawalpur are! 

8. Another attraction is the replica of Moti Mosque in Delhi, called the Abbasi Mosque.

“Like a thief, reason sneaked in and sat amongst the lovers eager to give them advice. They were unwilling to listen, so reason kissed their feet and went on its way.” -Rumi Abbasi Mosque. Bahawalpur, Pakistan. #rumi #sufi #quotes #bahawalpur #punjab #pakistan #derawar #fort #abbasimosque #mosque #masjid #wanderlust #colors #vsco #details #cholistan #desert #passionpassport #vscofilm #instagood #instagoodmyphoto #instaworld #roadtrip #instatravel #lifeofadventure #vscopakistan #hayatakarken

A post shared by عابد (@aabbiidd) on Nov 2, 2015 at 8:19am PST

9. Also, Farid Gate in Bahawalpur!

#bahawalpur #punjab #pakistan #history #historic #gate #gateway #architecture #old #renovate #vintage #vscocam #vscoedit #vscogram #instapk #instapic #instaedit #instadaily #instagramer #picoftheday #photooftheday #icapturedaily #faridgate #farid

A post shared by Dr.Ali Riaz (@aliclicks) on Jul 17, 2015 at 1:13am PDT

The failure to reverse the damage of this campaign may affect the vote bank of PML-N which is already under attack from all angles from the opposition. N League cannot afford to lose a significant amount of voters right before the election. The tenure is ending on the 31st May, and the sitting government is looking to sustain the vote bank in every way possible.

Business activity has seen a decline after the general boycott of Murree by people from across the country. Recently, reports started emerging on social media suggesting that tourist families were harassed, insulted and blackmailed by the locals of Murree.

There are several videos and pictures on social media sites showed tourists insulted, abused, and physically thrashed by some people who were alleged to be locals. It resulted in several movements on the social media, all focus on the same goal, which is to boycott the Murree tourism until the law and order is not effective and transparent for all. The videos and pictures demonstrate a total anarchy where there are no law enforcement officers to stop the violence.

As the movement has gained momentum, the tourism and related industries have suffered greatly. PML-N leaders of that region who have affiliations in local businesses have started taking notice and have started practicing influence on high-ups to somehow minimize the effects of ths movement. The local traders, bus/van services and other tourism related services have seen a major decline in revenue. Apart from that, Ramadan is approaching, so the tourism is to decline even more over the next month. Sustaining economic stability falls under a major question in this condition.

The Prime Minister is yet to intervene in this conundrum, which is creating great amount of concerns for the local vote bank.

“He is the prime minister of Pakistan who has the responsibility of solving the problems of the entire country. Questions are being raised, what good his premiership is for when he cannot solve the problems of his own constituency?” said a PML-N leader, requesting anonymity.

“The month of May has never been so tough on Murree. In recent years, people in huge number tend to visit Murree before Ramazan and then after Eid. Ramzan is about to start but tourists are hardly to be seen. The Boycott Murree campaign is taking its toll and our leadership’s apathy is adding to the problem.”

PML-N’s President in Murree Raja Daftar Abbasi admitted that tourism faced major setback due to the campaign. He denied that tourists were facing high-level of harassment which led to them boycotting Murree.

“The issue is overly exaggerated and things are not what they seem,” he told. “Why would the people of Murree, whose major source of bread and butter is tourism, ever want to disrespect the tourists? Why would they want to destroy their own livelihood? I admit there have been some isolated incidents involving the tourists and locals but this happens everywhere. When thousands of tourists throng a place at a time, an incident or two may take place but this in no way can be termed as a systematic campaign to insult tourists. People of Murree are welcoming to tourists because they know their livelihood is attached to them.”

Daftar Abbasi said owners of certain hotel chains in the tourist spots of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, in close proximity to Murree, are behind the ‘defamation’ campaign against tourism of Murree in a bid to attract business.

“They are trying to divert tourism business from Murree and are using ugly tactics for this purpose,” he claimed.

The allegations are being directed all over, however the truth remains that the tourism industry is suffering greatly, and no recovery is in sight at the moment.

Got friends in America/Canada/Europe who keep posting snaps of places they have been traveling to that you can’t help but be a bit envious of? Well, you don’t have to worry even a tad bit because Pakistan is no less when it comes to scenic views and attractive landscapes.

Here are some pictures you can show your friends to brag about Pakistan’s beauty!

1. This absolutely stunning picture of Agha Shahi Avenue, Islamabad. 

2. Our very famous Highland Country Club.

3. This aerial view of Rainbow Lake, Domel in Gilgit Baltistan. 

4. Or this colorful and aesthetically pleasing picture of Khewra Salt Mines.

5. These magnificent Passu Cones! 

6. This picture of Monal looks too pretty to be real. 

7. This picture of Balochistan? Beautiful. 

8. Or this, for that matter. 

9. Can you really tell this is Pakistan?

9. How can I forget Islamabad on a rainy day? Beats any view every time. 

10. This shot of Islamabad, the beautiful as well. 

11. Or this picture of Katas Raj Temple in Chakwal. 

12. Make sure to show your friends this picture of a male Ibex looking over his kingdom. 

13. National animal of Pakistan casually chilling in the northern areas. 

14. Beautiful sunrise over Karakoram Mountains!

15. Here’s a picture of Attabad Lake – Hunza! 

16. Not to forget Tangi, Mohmand Agency, KPK. 

17. All these palaces in Bahalwar are a beauty! 

18. You’re lying if you say that this picture of Sangemarmar Sar doesn’t melt your heart. 

19. Can you believe just how beautiful Pakistan is? 

20. Fairy Meadows are a world of their own.

21. This beautiful scenery of Kaghan Valley. 

22. Lastly, this picture of Grand Jamia Masjid – Bahria Town in Lahore.