1- Gilgit- Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan covers an area of over 72,971 km2 (28,174 sq. mi) and is highly mountainous. It had an estimated population of 1.249 million in 2013 (estimated at 1.8 million in 2015 by Shahid Javed Burki (2015)). Its capital city is Gilgit (population 216,760 EST). Gilgit-Baltistan is home to five of the “eight-thousands” and more than fifty peaks above 7,000 meters (23,000 ft.). Three of the world’s longest glaciers outside the Polar Regions are found in Gilgit-Baltistan. The main tourism activities are trekking and mountaineering, and this industry is growing in importance.
2- Sindh
Sindh has Pakistan’s second-largest economy, while its provincial capital Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city and financial hub, and hosts the headquarters of several multinational banks. Sindh is home to a large portion of Pakistan’s industrial sector and contains two of Pakistan’s commercial seaports, Port Bin Qasim and the Karachi Port. The remainder of Sindh has an agriculture-based economy and produces fruits, food consumer items, and vegetables for the consumption of other parts of the country.
Sindh is known for its distinct culture which is strongly influenced by Sufism, an important marker of Sindhi identity for both Hindus (Sindh has Pakistan’s highest percentage of Hindu residents) and Muslims in the province. Several important Sufi shrines are located throughout the province which attracts millions of annual devotees.
3- Punjab
The province has been strongly influenced by Sufism, with numerous Sufi shrines spread across Punjab which attract millions of devotees annually. The founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak, was born in the Punjab town of Nankana Sahib near Lahore. Punjab is also the site of the Katasraj Temple, which features prominently in Hindu mythology. Several UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Punjab, including the Shalimar Gardens, the Lahore Fort, the archaeological excavations at Taxil, and the Rohtas Fort.
