Understanding Pakistan

In the talk on Tuesday called “Understanding Pakistan” given in Holt Hall, different aspects about Pakistan were discussed but they were mainly focused on geography and demographics. I went to the meeting in hopes that I would be able to learn from a scholarly perspective, some current events that were happening along with some inside information that you do not get on the nightly news. Although I was a little disappointed with the content of the talk, I did learn some interesting facts.

    Pakistan, which is located on the western part of the Indian subcontinent, is nearly twice the size of California with many groups making up its population. The name Pakistan is made up of two parts, Pak (meaning pure) and Stan (meaning country). Some of the Worlds tallest peaks are located in Pakistan including K2 and Nanga Parbat. Despite the constant uprising and occasional violence, tourism is fairly stable in this country and this is what fuels the economy.

    Pakistan became a republic on March 23, 1956, and Maj. Gen. Iskander Mirza became the first president. The country was originally formed as a refuge for Muslims seeking independence from Hindus living in India. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto a few months ago sparked the world’s eye and the country was closely monitored in the news. Benazir was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, having been the prime minister of Pakistan twice. The speaker was regretful that Americans do not get enough information on the happenings of Pakistan and it is not until a leader is killed that Pakistan is in the news.

    Pakistan is in the temperate climate zone but the temperature varies greatly from one end of Pakistan to the other due to great changes in elevation. During the summer, the climate on the flatlands can be extremely hot while the mountainous regions can be fairly mild. The main groups of people that make up the countries population are the Pathans, the Pujabis, the Sindhis, the Muhajiri, and the Bulachis.