Pakistan stretches from the Arabian Sea to the mountainous regions
of Central Asia in the north.
The beauty of this land lies in its sharp contrasts, rugged
mountains, rolling plains, scorching deserts and vast expanse of
virtually unspoiled beaches.
As varied as its topography is the rich ethnic diversity of its
people. A nation whose racial and cultural heritage embodies the
distinct strains of many invaders and settlers who streamed through
the subcontinent throughout its long and turbulent history.
Though Pakistan gained independence from British India in 1947, the
history of this Land of the pure (Pak implies pure) dates back to
the ancient Indus Valley Civilization of 5000 year B. C. History
books record the absorbing discovery of the riches and wonders of
the subcontinent by explorers and foreign invaders. From the time
Alexander the Great thundered through the historic Khyber Pass to
set up camp along the River Indus, down through the ages, to the
Arab and Persian conquerors who left the most significant impression
on the language and creed of the people, to the British, Portuguese
and Dutch merchant colonialists who opened up the trade potential of
the region to the world.
The years since independence have continued to be a period of
discovery for Pakistan, as it realized the tremendous growth
resources. These years have seen a steady rise in industrialization
and modernization of the traditional agricultural sector. With the
new economic liberalization, use of modern technology and ambitious
export aspirations, Pakistan is poised to join the realm of the
fastest developing industrialized countries of Asia.
There is an ever-increasing demand for quality in the international
market, and young enterprising Pakistanis are eager to avail the
extremely bright prospects for trade. Government incentives to
exporters are a further encouragement to local entrepreneurs to
explore new markets beyond the borders. |