The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is located in South Asia and borders Iran (west), Afghanistan (north to northeast), China (northeast), India (east) and the Arabian Sea (south). Topographically, the country is characterized by high mountain ranges in the north, fertile plains in the heartland, desert terrain to costal landscape in the south. Main cities in Pakistan are the capital Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, Multan, Gilgit, Quetta, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.

The population of approximately 170 million comprise four main ethnic groups Pashtuns (15%), Baluchis (3%), Punjabis (40%) and Sindhis (14%), and numerous smaller groups (28%) like Brahui, Seraiki, Balti, Mohajirs, Chitrali or Kalash. There is also a considerable number of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. Languages in Pakistan are as diverse as the various ethnic groups and their different culture and traditions. The national language is Urdu while English is also used as official language in public institutions. The clear majority of the population adhere to the Sunni (75%) branch of Islam. Shiites (20%) are among the minorities like Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, Parsis or Animists (others: 5%). In regard to Islam Sufism or mystical Islam plays a significant role in the country and is known for its tolerance, and its numerous rituals and mystical music.

Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage. The terrain of the greater Indus region was once home to a large highly developed civilization that lived around 2600 BC to 1700 BC. It was not until the nineteen twenties when the archaeological sites of the two main well planned cities of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro were discovered. Both cities are characterized by wide streets, public and private wells, drains, bathing platforms and reservoirs. Another historical landmark is the rich Buddhist heritage in the region. The Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara existed around 600 BC to 800 AD and comprise region of today’s Afghanistan and Pakistan. Relics of ancient monasteries, stupas or Buddha statues still can be found in places like Takht-i Bahi, Taxila or Swat Valley (North-West Frontier Province). The most well known cultural heritage was left by the Islamic Mughal Empire that existed from the early 16th century until the 18th century and stretched from Pakistan to Northern India. One of the marvelous achievements of the Mughal is their unique architecture, a mixture of Islamic, Persian and local styles. As a Mughal capital the city of Lahore is blessed with Mughal monuments such as the Lahore Fort, the Badshahi Mosqe and the Shalimar Gardens.

However, at present the cultural diversity of Pakistan, its, beautiful landscape, its rich cultural heritage seems to be nonexistent in front of the gigantic political, social and economic problems. The present image hides out the beauty of the country and ugly violent images are emerging on daily basis, instead. Therefore, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Pakistan strive to present and promote a more balanced and realistic picture of Pakistan.