Fascinating Pakistan

19/12/2025

17/12/2025

Karachi’s Timeless Bazaar of Culture and Craft

Nestled in the heart of Saddar, Zainab Market is a prominent shopping destination in Karachi, where the city’s vibrant charm converges with the meticulous craftsmanship of local artisans. For decades, it has been a preferred destination for tourists, expatriates, and locals alike, offering an extensive range of products, from hand-embroidered shawls to leather jackets, and from tribal jewelry to intricately carved decorative items.

Established in the 1970s, Zainab Market gained widespread recognition among foreign visitors during the post-independence tourism boom. The market’s labyrinthine layout comprises numerous small shops, each showcasing an array of textiles, souvenirs, and traditional art, thereby narrating the story of Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Many of these shops are family-owned businesses that have been in operation for generations, preserving traditional crafts such as hand embroidery, ajrak printing, and Sindhi mirror work.

15/12/2025

Embroidery in Pakistan is a vibrant reflection of its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and regional craftsmanship. Each province boasts its own distinct embroidery style, techniques, and motifs that tell stories of history, identity, and artistry.

In Sindh, mirror work, ralli patchwork, and Ajrak-inspired stitches dominate, often featuring bold colors and geometric patterns. Balochistan is known for its intricate Balochi embroidery, characterized by fine needlework, tiny mirrors, and detailed geometric motifs on deep-colored fabrics.

In Punjab, Phulkari (meaning “flower work”) stands out—bright floral embroidery made with silk threads on cotton cloth, traditionally used for shawls and dupattas.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa showcases Chitrali and Swati embroidery, often done on wool and featuring symmetrical motifs and vibrant colors.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are famous for Kashida and Sozni—delicate thread work inspired by the region’s natural beauty, often adorning shawls and fine fabrics.

Overall, Pakistani embroidery is not only a form of decoration but also a living expression of heritage—passed down through generations of women who stitch identity, beauty, and tradition into every thread.

11/12/2025

Namak Mandi, Peshawar is a legendary food street and cultural landmark, renowned for its flame-grilled meats—especially lamb karahi and tikka—served in a setting that feels straight out of centuries past.

Located in the heart of Peshawar, Namak Mandi was once a vibrant trading hub for salt and gemstones. Today, it stands as one of Pakistan’s most iconic culinary destinations, where Pashtun food heritage comes alive through the aroma of sizzling meat, the glow of charcoal fires, and the rhythmic clanging of woks.

Rustic eateries line the street, each specializing in freshly butchered meat cooked over open flames. With minimal spices and maximum technique, the chefs let the natural flavor of the meat shine—an art deeply rooted in Pashtun tradition.

What Makes Namak Mandi Special*

Signature Dishes: Lamb Karahi, BBQ Tikka, and Chapli Kebab—slow-cooked with salt, fire, and patience.

No heavy masalas, just pure flavor.

Fresh Cuts on Demand: Many eateries butcher the meat right before cooking, ensuring unmatched freshness.*

Authentic Cooking Style: Karahi simmered in heavy black woks over coal; tikka skewered and grilled to smoky perfection.

08/12/2025

The Citrine Wagtail is a vibrant songbird found across Pakistan. It breeds in the high-altitude wetlands of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in places like Deosai, Naltar, and Ghizar during the summer months. In winter, it migrates south to the plains of Punjab and Sindh, frequenting wetlands around Khanewal, the Indus Delta, and irrigated farmlands.

07/12/2025

The Peregrine Falcon, known as the fastest bird in the world, is a powerful predator admired for its speed and precision. Reaching diving speeds of over 300 km/h, it is often seen soaring near cliffs, rocky outcrops, and open landscapes.

In Pakistan, this remarkable bird is found across various regions including the rugged mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, the coastal cliffs of Balochistan, and even near riverbanks and wetlands in Sindh and Punjab.

Its presence showcases Pakistan's rich biodiversity and the need to protect natural habitats.

06/12/2025

The Rock Bunting is a colourful bird commonly found on the rocky slopes and scrublands of northern Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Its striped head and cheerful song, adds a touch of charm to the mountainous landscape. Often seen perched on rocks or hopping through sparse vegetation, it feeds on seeds and small insects.

Its presence is not only a delight for birdwatchers but also a gentle reminder of the rich biodiversity hidden in Pakistan’s highlands.

03/12/2025

The Common Kestrel is a graceful small falcon that can often be seen hovering over hills and open fields in Pakistan. With its distinctive hovering flight, it hunts small mammals, insects, and birds.

Found in a variety of habitats across the country, particularly in rural and agricultural areas, it is a common sight in places like the northern regions, plains, and even near mountain ranges. It adds to the rich diversity of Pakistan’s birdlife, contributing to the country's appeal for birdwatchers.

02/12/2025

Pakistan unveils the world’s largest sculpture of Markhor. The 105 feet tall and 38 metres wide Markhor sculpture at Bata Kundi by Engineer Muhammad Shahzad is an ode to the national animal of Pakistan.

02/12/2025

The White-throated Dipper is a fascinating bird found in the fast-flowing rivers and streams of Pakistan's mountainous regions, particularly in places like the northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.

With its distinctive white throat, dives for food in cold mountain streams. Its ability to swim underwater makes it an intriguing species for birdwatchers in places like Hunza, Skardu, and Chitral.