Balochistan, A land of Miracles!

Balochistan (Balochi, Pashto: بلوچِستان Urdu: بلوچِستان‎, Balōčistān, pronounced [bəloːt͡ʃɪst̪ɑːn]), is a province of southwesternPakistan. It spreads primarily along the eastern part of the geographic region of Balochistan. It is the largest of Pakistan's four administrative provinces in terms of area, constituting approximately 44% of the country's total land mass, and the smallest in terms of population, being home to less than 5% of the country's population. Balochistan province is bordered by Afghanistan to the north and north-west, Iran to the south-west, the Arabian Sea to the south, Punjab and Sindh to the east, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas to the north-east. (Courtesy Wikipedia)

Now coming to the point, When I thought of beginning this blog on Balochistan, I absolutely has no idea, It'd end up getting so tough! Balochistan is a largely unexplored paradise, even after constituting 44% of Pakistan, I don't think we know more than 40% of the wonders present inside this mysterious land, after searching information for many days, I have finally thought I must write one blog on this largely unexplored heaven. This is the beauty of Pakistan, It still gives you a lot of opportunity to discover new places!

     I had always thought myself that Balochistan was perhaps a land full of deserts and heat due to the specific media image, but I am left awe inspired, so will you be! Let's start highlighting this God's gift to Pakistan! 
Let's start with the capital of Baluchistan
These are not views of Moscow or Arctic, this is Quetta in winters

Amazed after seeing snow? Nah! Just wait, Let's enter Ziarat

Ziarat was the most favourite hill station of Quaid e Azam, after seeing it's beauty you'll also know why Quaid chose it.

Ziarat is also home to the largest juniper forests in the world which are covered with snow in winters but become a lush green valley in summer

 and Ziarat residency of Quaid e Azam, that was sadly destroyed but now is in process of renovation again!

Talking about forests who can forget the beauty of Hanna Lake in Quetta

Still having doubts over It's beauty just wait for winter and you'll get mesmerized

Who can forget the beautiful Maria'abad, a suburb of Quetta also known as the valley of LOVE

There is also another water reservoir, The Hub Lake

Now who can forget the beautiful valley around Hanna Lake, also called Urak Valley

Urak Valley is also home to a number of water falls, namely Hanna Urak waterfalls!

Hazarganji literally means "Of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, that, there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrian, Scythians, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Pashtuns, all passed this way.

In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 km southwest of Quetta, Markhors have been given protection. 

Balochistan is also home to Sulaiman Mountain range, one of the largest ranges outside Himalayas! 

In an Afghan legend, one of the highest peaks of the Takht-i Sulaiman ("Throne of Solomon"), 3,382 metres (11,096 ft) high, is associated with Prophet Solomon. Ibn Battutanames it Koh-i Sulaiman.^[2] It is related that Prophet Solomon climbed this mountain and looked out over the land of South Asia, which was then covered with darkness, but he turned back without descending into this new frontier, and left only the mountain which is named after him (from Ibn Battuta). According to another legend, Noah's Ark alighted in the Takht-i Sulaiman after the Deluge.

The city of Mastung

Mashkay Awaraan Dist

A miraculous lake inside Sulaiman Ranges

Views of Hingol River along Balochistan

Beautiful views of Bolan

Going towards Bolan Pass and waterfalls on the way

  

The land of Dalbandin

Time to take you all to Gondrani, the Largest Cave City Of The World, yes It is a billion dollar tourism sight still wondering for admirers!

It was said to be built by Prince Saif ul Malook, yes, that same one of Lake Saif ul Malook legend

In Pakistan there are more than 80 active mud volcanoes in Balochistan province; there are about 10 locations having clusters of mud volcanoes. In the west, in Gwadar District, the mud volcanoes are very small and mostly sit in the south of Jabal-e-Mehdi toward Sur Bandar. Many more exist in the north-east of Ormara.

They also make a billion dollar tourism industry for all other nations, but for Pakistan, it is a big NO

Filled with numerous fruit orchards, the Pishin Valley is 50 km away from Quetta. These orchards are irrigated by ‘karez’. There is yet another attraction of cool waters, i.e. man-made lake with Bund Khushdil Khan. A wide range of ducks provides enticing beauty during winters.

Yes, a few rare leopards are also found here!

Now get ready for a miracle, you though Grand Canyon was in Arizona, USA, Pakistan also has a grand canyon of It's own in Chotok Khuzdar Balochistan!

The area of Wali Tangi

Who can forget Reko Diq, the land of Gold, said to host largest gold reserves of the world

A rock studded with Gold

Now who can forget Makran Coastal Highway!

We are going straight to Hingol National Park on Makran Hills

The nature made Sphinx of Pakistan as seen from Makran Coastal Highway

The 740 years old statue of Princess of Hope!

The Janui Acua Marine Drive!

You are right, we are reaching Gwadar now! 

Time for you all to meet Astola Island, Pakistan's largest offshore island

This new island came on surface after earthquake last year

Balochistan has more beautiful beaches than Dubai, If invested properly

The Oasis of Pir Ghaib

Astonishing for you but Balochistan also has glaciers, though they are called Salt Glaciers, yes mountains that are made of salts!

The Spin Karez

Balochistan once also had a dinosaur of it's own, 40 feet long Balochitherium

A land rich of culture!

Balochistan is just a marvel in the beauty of Pakistan and It'll always remain so, Insha'Allah, Nature like this makes me proud of being a Pakistani and so would you be! To know the latest about situation of Balochistam!

If you want to visit Neelam Valley! click here!

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"A journey through the landscapes of Neelam Valley, Crown of Azad Kashmir"

Neelam Valley (also spelled Neelum Valley) (Urdu: وادیِ نیلم ‎) is a 200 km long bow-shaped deeply forested region in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

also known as the land of flowers

The valley is situated in the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad, running parallel to Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) above sea level.
               

                                                                                                                                               

The valley possesses scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelam river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings.

In Neelam valley there are dozens of beautiful and historical places, Sharda Peeth is one of the most beautiful and historical place in Neelam valley. It is also said to be the oldest university of Asia.

Kundal Shahi: The village is located 74 kilometers (46 mi) from Muzaffarabad on the bank of Neelam River.

Athmuqam: The chief town of valley located about 84 kilometres from Muzaffarabad. It is the headquarters of Neelum District. All the basic necessities of life are available there. Hotels, rest houses, market, post office, banks, hospitals, and telephone exchanges are also present.

Kutton: Also known as Jagran Valley, is a village and tourist resort located 82 kilometers (51 mi) from Muzaffarabad and 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) from Kundal Shahi on the bank of Jagran steam. Rest houses of AJK Tourism Department and WAPDA are located here. Some private rest houses and hotels are also available here for tourists stay.

Toli Peer

Dadaralli Pass: Dadaralli pass is located at a whooping altitude of 16500 feet

Keran: 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) ahead from Athmuqam Keran resort is located on the bank of Neelam river at the altitude of 1,524 meters (5,000 ft)

Dowarian: It located 106 kilometers (66 mi) from Muzaffarabad and 22 kilometers (14 mi) from Athmuqam on the bank of Neelam River at the altitude of 1,615 meters (5,299 ft). A rest house of AJK Tourism Department located here for tourists stay. It is the base camp to Ratti Gali Lake.

Dudhnial: It is a very famous and beautiful town of Neelum Valley. There is a government college, Girls high school and Hospital and other government offices. There are many shops and restaurants. Private rest houses facility is also available

Sharda: One of the beautiful spots of the Neelum valley located on the banks of the Neelum river at an altitude of 1,981 meters (6,499 ft), about 136 kilometers (85 mi) from Muzaffarabad.

Kel: The most beautiful village of the valley located 19 kilometers (12 mi) ahead from Sharda at the altitude of 6,879 feet (2,097 m). Few private hotels and a rest house of AJK Tourism Department located there for tourists stay. Its also has bank, college, hospital and market.

Arang Kel: A village and tourist spot located on the hill top near Kel at the altitude of 8,379 feet (2,554 m) feet. It is accessible by a 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) trek from Kel.

Taobat: The last station of the valley. It is 200 kilometers (120 mi) from Muzaffarabad and 39 kilometers (24 mi) away from Kel. A tourist motel of AJK Tourism Department and few private hotel with basic facilities located here for tourists stay.there you can see beauty of nature at its peak. Locals are very hospitable and will treat you like their own family member. one thing that i personally did not like there was that women were supposed to do each and every work not only inside their home but also out side of it. as mentioned earlier that Taobat is the last settlement of this valley, you can get local jeeps that are too old but too good and suitable for that remote area.those jeeps will carry you straight way to Muzaffer Abad. during this journey it will amuse you with natural scenic beauty of the area and locals.

In winter, the whole Neelam Valley cloaks in white pearlish snow

To visit lakes of Neelam Valley, do click A trip through realms of the lakes of Neelam Valley

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A Trip through realms of the lakes of Neelam Valley

Farhan Virk <farhanvirk5@gmail.com>	Jul 13 (2 days ago)
to blog

1. Ratti Gali Lake, Ratti Gali lake in Neelam Valley is located at a whooping altitude of 3700 meters (12700 feet), Ratti Gali means a splash of redness in local language, the true colors of this lake bloom during the sunset and sunrise when the red color of the mountains surrounding the lakes captivates you in it's marvelous spell, this lake has a single spillway which also makes a beautiful waterfall on your way, Ratti Gali is accessible from Dowarian, Azad Kashmir, which is also called it's base camp. One needs to hike 12 miles on feet to reach here.

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2. The Hans Raj lake has been named after the large Raj Hans birds that are once thought to inhabit the lake as per local mythology, this lake is enchanted with dark blue waters that are so clear that one finds it difficult to distinguish between the mountains and the lake due to surreal reflection of the water. In winters the lake becomes completely invisible when a blanket of snow covers the valley! This lake is also at an altitude of 12000 feet and one can usually reach it by hiking towards Ratti Gali.

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3. Landa Sar Lake is located at Neelam Valley at an elevation of 12300 feet, this lake is still highly inaccessible due to difficult trek and hike on tough slopes, only a few people get to visit this mostly lonely lake per year, this lake is surrounded by beautiful red flowers that add so much colour to it's surroundings!

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4. Banjosa Lake: Banjosa Lake is one of the oldest tourist spots of Azad Kashmir and it is perhaps the only lake that remains accessible even in winters because of it's low altitude, this lake mostly gets it's water from the natural perpetual springs that gush from the towering green hills of the Neelam Valley, the water is crystal clear and this lake is also house to a lot of trout farms. It is located in Rawalakot and It can be accessed via jeep.

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5. Chitta Katha Lake: Chitta Katha lake is named Chitta Katha because of the white colour of the 6000 meter long peaks surrounding it, this lake is known as the second highest lake of Kashmir (13500 feet), the largest peak infront is called Hari Parbat 6000m which the locals claim is the throne of Shiva. This lake is completely closed and the water drains through an underground tunnel that makes a large waterfall at the river. Chitta Katha offers a very tough hike for atleast 7 hours in sharp glaciers but the majestic beauty of this lake makes the hikers forget all stress and bow down to the pristine wonders of nature. Due to snow fall it is only accessible in july and august. Hari Parbat has never been climbed due to steep slope.

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6. Saral Lake: Saral lake is also known as one the very first lakes of the Neelam Valley when you enter from the Kaghan Side via hiking, this lake is accessible from Kaghan Valley by a 10 hours hike and is located at an altitude of 13600 feet, also known as the highest lake of Neelam, this lake is deep blue in colour and the glorious mountain ranges make it's view so enchanted that one becomes spell bounded and hallucinated thinking he has landed in a real life heaven. Saral Lake is usually lit by camps at night because hikers who visit here have to spend the night here with no contact to the outside world.

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7.  Shounter Lake is a small tear shaped lake in Shounter Valley at an altitude of 10'200 feet, this lake is inhabited by local legends who say that fairies come to bath here at night and if you sleep at night here, you might as well be abducted by them, no one is allowed to camp here.

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8. Ambaish Lake: Ambaish Lake has just recently been discovered at Dadaralli pass. Little is known about this lake due to difficult terrain.

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Picture credits: Dr Zia RMC

9. Dadaralli lake is located at a whooping altitude of 1500 feet,this lake is usually frozen most of the year and to find it, you need to cross the Dadaralli pass, which is a daredevil hike because of the dangers associated with it.

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10. Machlok Lake: Machlok lake is a lake of stony mountains, this lake is said to be haunted so locals mostly refuse to be your guide, this lake is said to be inhabited by a mountain baboon like creature who throws away stones on every one coming here, locals believe that huge caves of diamonds exist at bottom of this lake due to which water shines.

11. The Parrian Sar Lake: This lake is said to be the house of fairies, the local Kashmiri girls living next to it, often present a live picture of fairies.

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Exposing Atheism

Exposing Atheism, my approach

Attention all Believers! As we all know Atheists are a really proud group of people who keep on making claims that they are "Free Thinkers" and have a more intellect than other Believers and their list goes on blah blah blah! I have had the honours of staying here and debating Atheists for long hours and finally found out as a result of studying them personally that majority of them suffer from Depression and other Psychiatric illnesses while a few are happy by their atheistic lifestyles. I tried to recollect all their arguments and found them all using same catch up lines again and again against the Believers. Here goes the list and our answers to their logic.

1. Atheist claim that we are Free Thinkers: 
Greatest joke of the century, no they are not. To be honest majority (Read MAJORITY not all) atheists are not free thinkers, They are following a religion of Atheism in which they even have the audacity to preach same atheism to their children. Their faith includes rebuttal of God and making fun of religion and they follow it more as a religious practice.

2. Atheist claim of being honest: 
Another gigantic lie, majority of atheists are not impartial. I can bet even if their computer starts flying without any physical approach as a miracle they'll deny it calling it a hallucination, no proof is enough for them to believe God and every hypothesis against religion is worth a proof to them.

3. Atheist Cult have a love for Copy pasting:
Apparently all atheists love copy pasting. Thanks to their financers there have sprung up a few websites that propagate false propaganda like Richard Dawkins, Free Thinkers, WikiIslam, WND etc that serve as a copy paste heaven, no matter how much you'll prove them wrong by authentic narrations from Quran, Bible, Torah. They'll believe copy paste websites as they have become their Holy Books.

4. Atheist claims of winding facts down:
Atheists have a marvellous love for twisting historical facts and holy narrations to reach their point, mostly begin as Bible asks you to kill babies and Quran says earth is flat, no matter how much you'll give them exact narration, they won't agree because it is a part of their faith now.
(If any atheist wants to ask why I want to prove atheism a Religion or belief now? It's because It's a human instinct to believe religion and If you don't believe religion, you find yourself satisfied in using Atheism as a belief.

5. Atheist Disease of taking things Literally:
Yes, atheists don't seem to understand language well, eg If you'll say 'It is useless to cry over spilt milk" An ordinary or normal mind would get it as It is useless to repent on what has happened but our so called Atheist mind will comprehend it as one is Literally crying over spilt milk, ironically they read religious scriptures in same way.

6. Atheists as Grammar Nazis:
Atheists are pretty excellent at being grammar Nazi's. whenever they begin loosing an argument they try to find a typing error and then start saying bad things about your grammar to get you off the point

7. Atheists as Fake Self Proclaimed Scientists: 
No, I am not referring to all atheists but majority, and majority is all it takes. Atheists have a really good feeling to talk about Science and technology, they feel they are the champions here but when they come to know the believer they are arguing with also knows the Science, they step back and start crying,"Go talk to Astrophysicists, we are common people" If you are so common why do you bring it up in first place?

8. Why do most people become Atheists?
Since religion strongly disapproves of homosexuality, sexual pervertedness, many 
people who are sexually disorented follow atheism to fulfill their lust calling it normal and natural, but when you ask those atheists what would you have felt If your father was a homo and he wouldn't have given birth to you? They become offended and start crying for others to be polite.

9. Very Important this one
*****Where is God? Bring God here? Then I'll believe!*****
Ye oldie atheist logic, They want to see God? It's astonishing they see all his creations and still want to see Him. He is everywhere but since our atheists suffer from disease of taking things LITERALLY ask them in same tone, you do claim to have "intellect"? "Honesty"? "Truth" ask them for live documented proof of intellect, a picture of their honesty and a video of their truth? As they ask all things literally, we'll ask them in same manner now. If they say why are we asking, just tell them that if honesty, integrity, intellect is present without your 5 senses, so is our God.

10. Atheist History and Evolution:
Atheists never believe in religious history and claim prophet's fake. Ask them why do you believe history of evolution then? You believe a million years old mumbo jumbo of apes becoming humans without proof of any fossil and you don't believe 2000 years old incidents with historical beliefs and documentation? That's double standard.

11. Atheist myth of Believing humanity:
Atheists don't possess moral codes but claim to believe humanity. They follow United Nation's Charter for humanity but little do they know all charter is derived fromm 1400 to 4000 year old religious texts and orders like Bible, Torah, Hajja tul vidah. If they are Free thinkers they must be free without moral codes but they indirectly follow religion and still call it destructive!

12. Best Atheist Logic, "Get Personal":
When they can't find an answer, they'll hit your country, your profession and you personally because it is the only thing they can do and this is what they'll do underneath this post as well, but we don't care guys, we're believers and we must have a big heart to forgive them, truth really hurts you know  Take care pals and have a great day ahead.

"How to take Salman Taseer's Revenge?" (An Open letter to Salman Taseer Shaheed's family!)

(This post isn't based for any publicity! It is soul of the writer that inspired him to write this letter! And he is really longing for the late Salman Taseer's family to read it. It was written on 16th january this year and is published now with a few changes )
Perhaps 4 jan 2011 was the most sad day of my life yet when Mr Salman Taseer was brutally murdered but despite that the more sad part was the killer being cheered more around the whole country! A typical show of religious fanaticism that made everyone of us to think a lot about the mentality of our people. I'm also one of those who were great followers of late Salman Taseer, i always remember mentioning him on my tweets and he often replied me! That was much of a suprise when he did! But this post is meant for helping Salman Taseer's family to think of a way to get the best revenge!

Current Scenario:

Mumtaz Qadri is cheered by all so called fanatics around the country! And sad part is the numbers account for more 80% of this country's population who rather feel happy to see the death of Mr Salman Taseer. Just because of an utter confusion created by Ulemas not ulemas exactly, fanatics!

Solution to prove Salman Taseer's view point:

Religious fanatics always have found ways to exploit their propaganda's by their deaths or as said martyrdom's!
"IT IS MY HUMBLE REQUEST TO THE FAMILY OF LATE SALMAN TASEER TO FORGIVE MUMTAZ QADRI FOR THIS WORLDLY LIFE BUT DO ASK FOR PUNISHMENT IN THE LIFE HEREAFTER."
only then these so called religious fanatics of modern nay would feel sorry for their brutal nature!

Our modern day Mullah's are severe extremists who have forgotten their original religion. I remember late Taseer stood up for a feeble lady when all Mullah's were hunting her like blood thirsty hounds! He got assassinated because of such strong stance but does that mean we need to repeat history again, if the family of late Taseer decided to forgive Mumtaz Qadri today it'd none the less mean gallows for religious extremism in Pakistan. I know it'd be a hard decision but in case it's not taken Qadri will become a Super Hero in our school books and the Hero will be declared a blasphemist.
The recent kidnap of Shahbaz Taseer might also be linked with this case as the kidnappers might inflict brutality at him as the after shocks of this case.
The cause of Taseer was to spread peace and the release of Qadri would make the militant mullah's ashamed. They're almost ready to make his shrine and worship him. It is the need of the hour not to let this apartheid happen.
Only this way, Late Taseer's jihad for peace and forgiveness will prevail. May Allah guide his family to take right decision (Ameen).

Disrupted Heart

Perhaps these're some times in one's
life when one feels disrupted by
someone who disrupts your feelings.
Same case happens with everyone to
some extent. Feelings and hopes that
are once lost and then cherished forever to bring a positive outcome in
one's life. I'm more of a confused
person by one's attitude than less
confused. But by means of wisdom and
changes in someone's state of mind
there's more of a new thing! Which cause utmost tension.
Perhaps same is the case with me but
one that loves the world gets more
desired hate than any love expected.
I'm more than normal these days cause
advancement in one's life may lead to disturbance in others as jealousy is one
of the most prevalent things in my
view! It still exists and it still causes
burns in hearts of the diseased. The
only thing is to create more of a
patience than a fuss and it's too much of a difficult thing to do! Too much
difficult.

In times of reality!

Lets face this common fact! People change, hearts change, soul's might even change but nature? It's impossible for the man to change it. My recent experience with a change in nature really left me enthralled, confused and broken.
What do some people want in a person? That they should care for them? Done that. That they should sacrifice everything for them? Done that. That they should love them more than anything else? Done that. What do one demands in return? Change your nature and answer remains nil.
Love isn't even sufficient to change nature for some people. True love too cause love is based on loving others soul that includes their nature too but it's still impossible for one to do that for one's lover.
"Love is a sweet sorrow" that's what i always heard from others! Yup! True as it seems but it's never ever sweet it's really sorrowful and gloomy if it remains one sided. And in case it's horizon expands to two sided and still one faces disappointment it leads to severe consequences!
Admit that thing that if one doesn't like you from the start you can't change one's nature! You can turn that person on for you but you can't change his or her nature cause it's "the rule of nature" and it can't be changed.
For those who're facing nature clash, One sincere advice "leave it"
Move on on a rapid note'