Pakistan stretches from Lahore’s Mughal-era landmarks to the Indus basin and the dramatic northern mountains. Its regional cuisines bring families together around dishes like biryani, nihari and freshly baked breads, while cricket provides another powerful shared language.

Key Facts

Travel Info

Capital: Islamabad

Location: South Asia, with an Arabian Sea coast

Climate: Varies from arid hot lowlands and monsoon-influenced regions to cold mountain climates

Airports: Islamabad International (ISB), Jinnah International Karachi (KHI), Allama Iqbal International Lahore (LHE)

Attractions: Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, Taxila and northern mountain valleys

Cultural Info

Greeting: Assalam-o-alaikum (peace be upon you)

Languages: Urdu is the national language; English is official; Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi and others are spoken

Sports: Cricket, field hockey, squash and athletics

Notable athletes: Jahangir Khan, Babar Azam and Arshad Nadeem

Heritage: Mughal architecture, regional crafts, qawwali and diverse food cultures

Economic Info

Currency: Pakistani rupee (PKR)

Economic sectors: Agriculture, textiles, manufacturing and services

Exports: Textiles, apparel, rice and other goods

Population and GDP per capita: Use the latest dated figures at World Bank Pakistan; figures and rankings change.

Iconic Grub

Top Grub: Lahori Biryani: A fragrant rice-and-spice dish with meat; preparations vary across cities and households

Try This Grub: Nihari: Slow-cooked spiced meat stew, commonly paired with naan and garnished with lemon, chilies and ginger

More to taste: Chapli kebab, haleem, Lahori fried fish and regional breads

Popular Beverage: Lassi and chai

Where to Grub

Explore local markets and family-run restaurants for dishes described above. Ask for regional specialties, check current hours and menus, and never mistake a researched recommendation for a firsthand review.

Sports and Culture

Pakistan won the 1992 men’s Cricket World Cup. The country’s sporting achievements also include squash dominance and Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic javelin gold in Paris in 2024.

GrubPassport Cultural Discovery

Lahore’s Mughal monuments create a lasting first impression; local food traditions add an intimate picture of Pakistan’s provincial and city identities.

The GrubPassport Question: A Lahore heritage walk, a cricket match or a biryani-and-nihari meal?

Photograph credits: Badshahi Mosque: Dr Muhammad Amer (Unsplash). Lahori biryani: Muhammad Umair Mirza (CC BY-SA 4.0). Nihari: Miansari66 (public domain), Wikimedia Commons.

Further research: UNESCO | Pakistan trade authority Lahore guide. World Bank statistics.

Research-based guide, not firsthand travel reporting. Verify travel details and dated figures before publishing. Photos used under their source license terms.