::. Provinces of Pakistan

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan emerged as an independent State on 14 August 1947. It comprises four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, North West Frontier and Balochistan, besides the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Islamabad is the federal capital. Over 97 per cent of the country's population is Muslim.

Pakistan covers an area of 796,095 sq.km. lying between latitude 24 degree and 37 degree North and longitude 62 degree and 75 degree East. The country borders Iran on the West, while India in the east, Afghanistan in the north and north-west and the People's Republic of China in the north-west to north east.

Climatically, Pakistan enjoys a considerable measure of variety. North and north- western high mountain ranges are extremely cold in winter while the summer months from April to September are very pleasant. The vast plains of the Indus Valley are extremely hot in summer and have cold weather in winter. The coastal strip in the South has a temperate climate. There is general deficiency in the rainfall. In the plains the annual average ranges from 13 cm. In the northern parts of the lower Indus plains to 89 cm. In the Himalayan region. Rains are monsoonal in origin and fall late in summer.

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.