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23 reasons we love Pakistan

Pakistan Zindabad!
Updated 24 Mar, 2018


Cricket matches and national holidays — these are two occasions when we see Pakistanis go all out in expressing their patriotic fervour.

Here are 23 reasons why we love Pakistan.

1) PSL

We actually did bring cricket home!

Pakistani spectators at the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at The Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on March 5, 2017 — Aamir Qureshi/AFP
Pakistani spectators at the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at The Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on March 5, 2017 — Aamir Qureshi/AFP

2) The Edhi Foundation

Edhi Foundation has held the Guinness World Record for running the largest ambulance service in the world. And that's just one arm of its philanthropic works.

The late Abdul Sattar Edhi waving as he journeys to his office in Karachi — AFP
The late Abdul Sattar Edhi waving as he journeys to his office in Karachi — AFP

3) Stuffed parathas!

Nutella naan, FTW! We're not sure if we invented stuffed parathas but we love them like we did.

These hot toasted flatbreads are best had when they are fresh out of the tandoor — Mahhah Qayyum
These hot toasted flatbreads are best had when they are fresh out of the tandoor — Mahhah Qayyum

Also read: Want a 'special' paratha? Maantu Gul Kitchen serves fare from Hunza with a twist

4) The United States hasn't banned us... yet. Yay!

In a latest move to curb terrorist attacks, the US governments has imposed visa restrictions on certain Muslim countries. Luckily, that doesn't include us Pakistanis.

Illustration by Dawn
Illustration by Dawn

5) Fawad Khan

Fawad is a fantastic ambassador, making us look good wherever he goes. Plus - he's united Pakistanis and Indians in their love for a slightly broody bearded heartthrob. Win!

6) Pakola. Enough said.

We've definitely added more flavour and colour to the global beverage industry.

7) Our hospitality

Our locals are sooo good at taking care of their guests that tourists forget all the nasty things the foreign press says about us.

Here's more proof: The woman who travelled to every country in the world says Pakistan is in her top 10

Also read: This French couple dared to travel to Pakistan and fell in love with it

8) Noor Jehan

No movie was complete without a Noor Jehan number — and for good reason.

9) Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

From car playlists to wedding events to club mixes, Nusrat's tracks are ubiquitous.

10) Our highly entertaining politicians

From Sheikh Rashid's quick getaway to politicians who wish they could do a push-up, we owe it to our pols who keep the news cycle quite interesting.

11) Fire memes

We make AWESOME memes and the world notices. Case in point:

Screenshot courtesy Asif Raza Rana/Facebook
Screenshot courtesy Asif Raza Rana/Facebook

British online publication The Independent called Asif and Mudassir's breakup "the greatest relationship tragedy since Romeo and Juliet".

12) Mangoes

Our mangoes are like the Koh-i-Noor, errybody wants them, especially people abroad.

Mangoes - Photo by Sahar Habib/Dawn
Mangoes - Photo by Sahar Habib/Dawn

13) Badshahi Mosque

We have some of the most beautiful heritage sites in Pakistan, one of them being the Badshahi Mosque, it's no wonder every celebrity is frolicking there to get married.

14) Innovative reporting

Remember Chand Nawab? Yep, we can always count on our local reporters to add some, um, flavour to the 9pm news.

15) Gormint Aunty

Have no fear, Gormint Aunty is here. She truly represents our awaam, who's not shy from speaking the truth. In her words, 'Yeh bik gai hai gormint!'

(The following video contains explicit language.)

16) Abdus Salam

The theoretical physicist won a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1979. He also helped set up Pakistan’s first nuclear power plant in Karachi in 1970.

17) Shrine culture

Besides Pakistan's heritage sites, we can boast of a rich tradition of spirituality celebrated at shrines. From beautifully intricate mosques to Hindu temples and churches, these sacred places are a treat to visit.

18) Samina Baig

She's the first Pakistani woman to climb all seven highest peaks in the seven continents in just under eight months. Need we say more?

19) We're taking steps to make gender equality a reality in Pakistan

Ok fine, these might be baby steps but still. The Pakistani government recognised the transgender community and is trying to safeguard their rights by giving them jobs in the public sector and allowing them to identify themselves as a third gender on their CNICs.

In recent years, bills have also been passed that protect women from domestic harassment.

20) Badass women

There is no dearth of Pakistani women who have fought stereotypes and for their rights. Women like Malala, who's fighting for women's education in Pakistan; Sabeen Mahmud; who fought to make sure all voices were heard; Maria Toorpakay Wazir, who disguised herself as a boy in order to play squash.

21) Indigenous fashion — so good that it inspires international designers

Be it our famous Peshawari chapals (remember the Paul Smith £300 chappas?), our shalwar kameez (Versace's Men’s SS16 collection in Milan and not to forget Kendall Jenner wearing a kameez-style dress, our short kurtis and our truck art designs, needless to say, international designers are now looking at Pakistani fashion for inspiration.

22) Our natural beauty

Pakistan's natural beauty is the stuff desktop wallpapers are made of.

From the scenic mountains up north down to the beaches of Balochistan, the country is dotted with sights that could take anyone's breath away.

Here are some sneakpeeks:

Nanga Parbat — Ali Abbas Akhtar/Instagram
Nanga Parbat — Ali Abbas Akhtar/Instagram

Astola Island in Balochistan — Abbas Ali Toor/Dawn
Astola Island in Balochistan — Abbas Ali Toor/Dawn

Hunza's Attabad Lake - Photo by Sahar Habib/Dawn
Hunza's Attabad Lake - Photo by Sahar Habib/Dawn

23) Pakistani films are bigger and better than ever before.

From rom-coms and biopics to action flicks and horror movies, the Pakistani cinema industry is well on its way to finding itself again.

Mahira Khan in Ho Mann Jahaan — Screengrab
Mahira Khan in Ho Mann Jahaan — Screengrab


This article was originally published on March 23, 2017

Comments

FRANK Mar 23, 2017 03:04pm
No reason needed to love one's mother.
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FRANK Mar 23, 2017 03:05pm
We would have loved it the same even if it hadn't been the most beautiful county in the wworld.
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Khan Mar 23, 2017 03:17pm
I love Pakistan without any reason
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mumtaz shah Mar 23, 2017 03:18pm
Great reasons
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Rohail Mar 23, 2017 03:24pm
No reason is needed. It's our motherland and that's it.
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Nomi Goraya Mar 23, 2017 03:28pm
Thanks DAWN for collection of so beautiful pics I have one an only one reason to love Pakistan ie It is my homeland my pride my EGO Long Live Pakistan
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Sana Dadabhoy Mar 23, 2017 03:35pm
Why do we leave the desert out of the "natural beauty"? Other places have marketed deserts and successfully turned them into cultural experiences. We also have rally nice beaches and perhaps you could focus on the diversity of landscapes offered throughout Pakistan.
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CHAndio. Mar 23, 2017 03:36pm
Love you Pakistan....love pakola,fawad khan, Mahira mohatta palace ,cricket,lollywood,samina big,baadshahi mosque etc.
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aKZIs Mar 23, 2017 04:03pm
Very well written Dawn!! There's always an innovation! Instead of Abdus Salam, Abdul Qadeer Khan would have been a great addition.
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filza tahir Mar 23, 2017 04:04pm
I LOVE PAKISTAN
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Mahesh Mar 23, 2017 04:10pm
it was very comforting to see Fawad but you missed Mahira..
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ali Mar 23, 2017 04:18pm
Awesome. I could also have added 1000 more genuine reasons.
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MFM Mar 23, 2017 04:19pm
Don't mention any reason. We will still love Pakistan
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PTI supporter Mar 23, 2017 04:21pm
This is awesome. Great work done by Dawn.com
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N.Sid Mar 23, 2017 04:21pm
Beautiful and stunning pictures with even better reasons on 23rd March. And for the simple reason that this is our homeland and a free and sovereign nation.
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SMI Mar 23, 2017 04:21pm
We love Pakistan ! Without having any of the reason mentioned Pakistan Zindabad !!
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Sarai alamgir Mar 23, 2017 04:24pm
Pakistan.......Zindabad.
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Mohammad S. Khalid Mar 23, 2017 05:03pm
24) Mehdi Hassan
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Sundus Mar 23, 2017 05:04pm
Just 23!!?? I could give you many..!! :)
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Anam Mar 23, 2017 05:09pm
4,5,10,11 & 15
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rupesh vilas vanarse Mar 23, 2017 05:17pm
Where r that lavishly coloured trucks ,,,,, multani mitti... Mohenjodaro...
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ga Mar 23, 2017 05:18pm
Where are our inventions!! There aren't any. Infact the Muslim world hasnt invented anything of significance in the last 800 years!! Ponder over that!!
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Roy Mar 23, 2017 05:32pm
Love you Pakistan and love you forever
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Mar 23, 2017 05:54pm
There are hundreds of other reasons as well why we all love the "land of the pure?" Pakistan Zinda Baad. Beautiful land and wonderful people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Paeenda Baad
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Asma ali Mar 23, 2017 06:32pm
Dil Dil Pakistan!!
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Aejaz ali Mar 23, 2017 06:52pm
Nice article! Left out the great Indus river and Murree
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Ameen Khan Mar 23, 2017 07:05pm
Proud to be son of the soil. My identity will always because​ of you. A proud Pakistani Pathan. Long live Pakistan.
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Saeeds Mar 23, 2017 07:56pm
Yep I agree these reasons and million other reasons we like Pakistan. Now waiting for UK , Canada or US visa so I like my country more.
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Sadia Khalil Mar 23, 2017 08:43pm
@aKZIs Sorry about your ignorance. One won the noble prize and made Pakistan proud, where as other just took credit of many other genuine scientists and got popularity by serving as a escape goat.
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TEJA Mar 23, 2017 09:13pm
Abdus Salam, should be the #1 in your list.
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Hamaad Mar 23, 2017 10:07pm
You missed Junaid Jamshed. We will love and remember him forever
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Maveric Mar 23, 2017 10:13pm
It is an interesting article but I believe we do not need any reason to LOVE Pakistan as Pakistan gave all of us an identity in this world. Love you PAKISTAN!!!
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skumar Mar 23, 2017 10:33pm
Gormint aunty ! in full form ! cant stop laughing ! .. greetings to all .
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skumar Mar 23, 2017 10:33pm
Gormint aunty ! in full form ! cant stop laughing ! .. greetings to all .
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Zahid Mar 23, 2017 10:34pm
LOVED IT! you guys summarized it beautifully. We still have many many many things to list. Long Live my dear Pakistan. From an overseas son of Pakistan!
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braingain Mar 23, 2017 10:46pm
Studying in a Mumbai school in the 80s, our teacher told us about Mr.Edhi. It was an out of syllabus story so it would inspire us into better human beings. Happy Pakistan day.
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Nasir Jamal Khan Mar 23, 2017 11:05pm
One can certainly list a million reasons to love one's motherland but I found the Simple and honest 'Gormint' auntie to be the creme de la creme. ROFL!!! !!!
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Changez Khan Mar 23, 2017 11:26pm
There are millions reasons to love Pakistan. (btw - I liked your reason number 10)
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Chaitanya Mar 23, 2017 11:34pm
Love humanity instead of countries.... I am from place which is situated in india but I am not Indian.. I am just a Human being. Freinds, lets our love love in humans..
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Qasim Ali Mar 24, 2017 01:20am
Long Live Pakistan !!
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MHAQ Mar 24, 2017 01:22am
We have every reason to love our beloved country "Pakistan". Long Live Pakistan
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Ranjha Mar 24, 2017 01:39am
Great Imran Khan. The #1 and last icon of Pakistan.
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raj Mar 24, 2017 02:17am
AQKHAN, Moin Athar and Mehndi Hassan
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sis Sandal Mar 24, 2017 04:00am
23 reasons? It's limitless.
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SIR RAM PRASAD Mar 24, 2017 04:53am
i've stayed most of my life in & out of Pakistan... i cry when i see Pakistan hurt & i laugh when i see Pakistan prosper ....
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R S Chakravarti Mar 24, 2017 06:54am
@aKZIs Do you think Abdus Salam should have been excluded because of his faith?
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FREEDOM Mar 24, 2017 07:01am
Well written article.
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Ali Mar 24, 2017 07:32am
Love you Pakistan
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waqas Mar 24, 2017 08:52am
Yes I do love Pakistan but some reasons have really annoyed me like "We are not banned by America" it is quite similar to say that "God has not punished us" Dramatically, America is presented as God of wrath that overlooked Pakistan, It is quite embarrassing to celebrate this thing. Secondly, the reason of gender equality, I would rather say that it is the concentrated form of "Western Elite Feminism" which allegedly promotes "Gender Equality". I Love Pakistan but certainly not for these reasons.
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Haider Mar 24, 2017 11:42am
1. Pakistan is an Idelogical Islamic State. Thats a reason good enough!
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Anon Mar 24, 2017 01:24pm
Pakistanis are among the best people in the world!
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Wasim Kamran Mar 24, 2017 01:40pm
love beyond reason is better than anything else
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An Mar 24, 2017 05:24pm
I love the region called Pakistan in a state it was before independence. It was a place of great intellectuals and patriotic people who believed all the country men are their brothers and sisters and feeling of oneness prevailed. Very fertile and agriculturally self sufficent land. Economic and cultural hub of teh country. It was a time when here was no religious extremism. People were proud of their glorious past and celebrated their heros irrespective of their religion . Now on this Pakistan day we have generation who forgot their glorious past, destroyed every left over signs of their history. Explore your past and you will love Pakistan even more
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Waseem Mar 24, 2017 07:28pm
Sons/daughters of soil don't need a reason to love their homeland but these are good reasons for other to love our country.
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Kasma Koori Mar 25, 2017 03:01am
Now that we have this delightful piece of why we love Pakistan, we need so see a similar of how we can improve in area we lack
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roy Mar 25, 2017 11:16am
and many more things including "Thank you Raheel Sahrif"
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talat Mar 25, 2017 08:28pm
Great job Images !
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Sanjeev Mar 23, 2018 12:40pm
24th reason is that you have the best dress sense in the world.:)
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Samab Ahmad Mar 23, 2018 01:20pm
Where’s Gol Gappay and Dhai Bale
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Asif Bhatti Pakistan Mar 23, 2018 01:48pm
Beautiful - YOU MADE MY DAY!!!
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hamid shafiq Mar 23, 2018 02:10pm
love to Pakistan and long live till day of world end
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FYI Mar 23, 2018 04:14pm
and Mahira Khan!
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Balasubramaniam Raju Mar 23, 2018 04:45pm
As a close neighbour and Indian, I wish to suggest two more reasons why you must feel proud and love your country. The legendary Imran Khan and never say die Javed Miandad, two cricketers any cricketing nation would unhesitatingly welcome and admit among its ranks. While you keep loving your country with justifiable pride, please ensure there will be less and less of spilling of precious human blood on your soil and more and more of true brother hood and warm embrace. May you all prosper.
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wow Mar 23, 2018 04:51pm
Add Imran Khna to the list - One the best cricket allrounders/Captain world has ever seen. Adored by world over except by NAWAZ and Co.
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wow Mar 23, 2018 04:56pm
@raj Absolutely right - IMRAN KHAN a world class icon of cricket and a celebrity. Skill, talent, looks, intelligent and and of course a great ambassador of Pakistan. With Imran Khan many in the west either did not know Pakistan or did not care.
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Sultana Mar 23, 2018 05:09pm
Zabardast!!! Make it 25 reasons with our TV dramas and Coke studio.
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Moth Mar 23, 2018 09:59pm
I love Pakistan because it is deep in my brain even though I spend most of my years abroad. Memories of my childhood and my adulthood. One more reason - it is so hard that other countries will accept you of their own even though you have their citizenship. It is like the different between English vs Britisher even though you have British nationality. That is the reason I want to see Pakistan to shine so that we be respected in host country.
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Suhail Zubaid Mar 24, 2018 12:33am
Priceless!
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ayesha Mar 24, 2018 12:42am
Pakistan is my identity!
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Nüman Allam Mar 24, 2018 02:16am
Dawn good one on gormint aunty
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Dr. Talha vaqar Mar 24, 2018 07:17am
The real reason I love pakistan is that it is an Islamic country. I can hope my generations will retain the Kalima E Taiba even when my bone have dried.
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V Gupta Mar 24, 2018 08:37am
Great to see a completely positive photo-essay on Pakistan. Why not one every week ?! (For a start talk to the guy below who says he's got 1000 reasons to do so !). Whether we like it or not, we are neighbours and need to live together. Very difficult to do so with someone who does not love him/herself, and demonstratably so.
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SHAHID SATTAR Mar 24, 2018 10:45am
Does one has to have a reason to love one's country?
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Saida HAIDER Mar 27, 2018 01:38pm
Love Pakistan , especially Qaid e Azam and his determination , it's history , classical qawwalis and music ,Sindh and it's people , Balouchistan - May Allah swt shower it's blessings on this fairy land -
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