Category Archives: Guest Blog

Khewra Mines : Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

Khewra Salt Mine located in Khewra, Jehlum Punjab, Pakistan is the second largest Salt Mine in the world and is considered to be the oldest in the subcontinent. It was said that discovery of Salt mines were not done by Alexander or his army but by their horses as they started licking the stones when they stopped here for rest. Thousand of visitors each year visit Khewra Salt mines and get fascinated by the nature’s miracle in the heart of mountains.

 

Khewra Salt Mine: Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

 

By

Muhammad Bilal Umer.

Civil Engineer

University of Technology Sydney Australia.

+61425711119 (Aus)

+923334904604 (Pak)

Bilalumer_1@yahoo.com


Haleji Lake : Asia’s largest Bird Sanctuary


Pakistan is a land of serene beauty , a country with diverse wild life , fresh water lakes, a 1046 km coast lines. Some of the most unique species of birds are found in northern Pakistan with awe-inspiring natural wonders like Lake Saiful Maluk, Lake Shandur , Dudipatsar Lake , kutwal lake, Zalzal lake and many more. But Haleji has it’s own significance as it is Asia ’s largest waterfowl reserve. During winter thousands of birds of different species fly down to Haleji from Siberian colder areas

Pakistan: The heavenly Shandur Lake
By

Muhammad Bilal Umer.

Civil Engineer

University of Technology Sydney Australia.

+61425711119 (Aus)

+923334904604 (Pak)

Bilalumer_1@yahoo.com


World’s Largest Deep Sea Port : Gwader

“Gwa” means Air and “Dar” means door, and the word Gawadar means ” The door of the wind” is the world’s largest deep sea port lies in southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan. The design and construction of the port is carried out in collaboration with China and it has just started it’s operation.It’s going to emerge as a world’s biggest skyline due to it’s capacity and infrastructure of handling bulk carriers. It has been declared as a Duty Free Port and Free Economic Zone by the Pakistani government that has increased the commercial worth manifolds. It has an immense geostrategic importance as it is the entrance to the Persian Gulf and is considered to be a substitute of Dubai Port.

Gawader: World’s Largest Deep Sea Port

 

By

Muhammad Bilal Umer.

Civil Engineer

University of Technology Sydney Australia.

+61425711119 (Aus)

+923334904604 (Pak)

Bilalumer_1@yahoo.com


Karakoram Highway : Eighth Wonder of the World


Karakoram Highway runs through the northern areas connecting Pakistan with China’s Xingjiang province is often described as ” Eighth Wonder of the World” due to the marvel of civil engineering as it has taken 15 years to complete by the Pakistan Army Engineers in collaboration with China. It’s been labeled as ” World’s highest paved international Road” under world’s toughest terrain.

Pakistan: Karakoram Highway World’s highest paved international Road

 

By

Muhammad Bilal Umer.

Civil Engineer

University of Technology Sydney Australia.

+61425711119 (Aus)

+923334904604 (Pak)

Bilalumer_1@yahoo.com


Kalash valley people – Pakistan

Hunza is said to be a place ” Where Time Stops and Fairy Treads“, Kalash and Chitral are the natural wonders of the world where poetic verses find their inspirations from the beauty and elegance of high peak mountains, lush green fields and the fragrant breeze singing across the poplar trees. Some of the places which are not highlighted by the media but still due to their magnitude find their places on the World record books are ; Asia’s Highest Railway Station Kan Mehtarzai that is located 2240 meters above sea level near Quetta.

 


Pakistan: K2 the 2nd highest mountain peak in the World

Pakistan meaning the “The land of pure” where each day the sun rises with a new hope, with an enduring majesty as the rays of light flushing down towards the snowcapped peaks of Himalaya’s and Nanga Parbat . A land where love finds a meaning in the heart warming hospitability of people, a land where history and ancient civilization mystifies one’s heart, a land where spiritualism unveils its mystery at the shrines of Sufi Saints. This is the land I belong to, this is the land I’ll die for and this is the land that defines my identity. 

Pakistan : The Roof Top of the World


 

 

Pakistan the land of grand mountain ranges, a land that holds 4 out of 14 most highest peaks in the world. K2 the second highest mountain in the world with all it’s grandeur symbolizing the pride and strength of the people of Pakistan .

By

Muhammad Bilal Umer.

Civil Engineer

University of Technology Sydney Australia.

+61425711119 (Aus)

+923334904604 (Pak)

Bilalumer_1@yahoo.com


Pakistan Zindabad!!

A wonderful guest post from my friend Bilal. We met at University and since then Bilal has been so kind as to teach me Hindi and also so much about his lovely country. I hope to visit him soon and would like to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY for today.

Amazing Pakistan : A picture hidden from the World

In the recent times due to rendezvous between political forces and media, an ugliest picture about my country has been portrayed in front of the world, a picture that holds no color or I am not wrong to say “It’s all black just black”. I’m the struggling to unveil the true picture that hold millions of colors, so bright and so shiny that can dazzle one’s eyes “Spread the truth, fight for the right
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Pakistan meaning the “The land of pure” where each day the sun rises with a new hope, with an enduring majesty as the rays of light flushing down towards the snowcapped peaks of Himalaya’s and Nanga Parbat . A land where love finds a meaning in the heart warming hospitality of people, a land where history and ancient civilization mystifies one’s heart, a land where spiritualism unveils its mystery at the shrines of Sufi Saints. This is the land I belong to, this is the land I’ll die for and this is the land that defines my identity. 

Pakistan : The Roof Top of the World

Pakistan: K2 the 2nd highest mountain peak in the World

Pakistan the land of grand mountain ranges, a land that holds 4 out of 14 most highest peaks in the world. K2 the second highest mountain in the world with all it’s grandeur symbolizing the pride and strength of the people of Pakistan .

 

Pakistan: Lalazar often termed as most beautiful place on earth

 

 Hunza is said to be a place ” Where Time Stops and Fairy Treads“, Kalash and Chitral are the natural wonders of the world where poetic verses find their inspirations from the beauty and elegance of high peak mountains, lush green fields and the fragrant breeze singing across the poplar trees. Some of the places which are not highlighted by the media but still due to their magnitude find their places on the World record books are ; Aisa’s Highest Railway Station Kan Mehtarzai that is located 2240 meters above sea level near Quetta.

Pakistan: Kalash valley people

Pakistan: ” Chitral Valley”
What it would feel like to play a sport that is wild, challenging and manly at the top of the world surrounded by the drumbeats and the music of the reed instrument. Yes Shandur Polo tournament is played every year at World’s highest Polo ground at Shandur, Northern Pakistan .

Pakistan: Shundur Polo festival at the World's highest Polo ground

 

Karakoram Highway : Eighth Wonder of the World
Karakoram Highway runs through the northern areas connecting Pakistan with China’s Xingjiang province is often described as ” Eighth Wonder of the World” due to the marvel of civil engineering as it has taken 15 years to complete by the Pakistan Army Engineers in collaboration with China. It’s been labeled as ” World’s highest paved international Road” under world’s toughest terrain.

Pakistan: Karakoram Highway World's highest paved international Road

 

World’s Largest Deep Sea Port : Gwader
“Gwa” means Air and “Dar” means door, and the word Gawadar means ” The door of the wind” is the world’s largest deep sea port lies in southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan. The design and construction of the port is carried out in collaboration with China and it has just started it’s operation.It’s going to emerge as a world’s biggest skyline due to it’s capacity and infrastructure of handling bulk carriers. It has been declared as a Duty Free Port and Free Economic Zone by the Pakistani government that has increased the commercial worth manifolds. It has an immense geostrategic importance as it is the entrance to the Persian Gulf and is considered to be a substitute of Dubai Port.

Gawader: World's Largest Deep Sea Port

 

Khewra Mines : Second Largest Salt Mine in the World


Khewra Salt Mine located in Khewra, Jehlum Punjab, Pakistan is the second largest Salt Mine in the world and is considered to be the oldest in the subcontinent. It was said that discovery of Salt mines were not done by Alexander or his army but by their horses as they started licking the stones when they stopped here for rest. Thousand of visitors each year visit Khewra Salt mines and get fascinated by the nature’s miracle in the heart of mountains.

Khewra Salt Mine: Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

 

Haleji Lake : Asia’s largest Bird Sanctuary
Pakistan is a land of serene beauty , a country with diverse wild life , fresh water lakes, a 1046 km coast lines. Some of the most unique species of birds are found in northern Pakistan with awe-inspiring natural wonders like Lake Saiful Maluk, Lake Shandur , Dudipatsar Lake , kutwal lake, Zalzal lake and many more. But Haleji has it’s own significance as it is Asia ’s largest waterfowl reserve. During winter thousands of birds of different species fly down to Haleji from Siberian colder areas

Pakistan: The heavenly Shandur Lake

Thar Desert : One amongst the largest deserts in the World

Thar is a arid region in the north western part of Indian subcontinent, it lies mostly in Indian state of Rajasthan but it covers eastern Sindh province and the southeastern portion of Pakistan ’s Punjab province. It is amongst one of the largest deserts in the world rich multifaceted culture, heritage, traditions, folk tales, dances and music. The poetic expression of Kafi written by Sufi poets of Sindh resonates in the cold nights as the Thari musicians start singing them on sorrowing rhythmic beats. In the night the granules of the sand lit up like stars as the moonlight walks on them. 

Pakistan: Tharparker

The land of oldest Civilization : Indus Valley and Mohenjo-Daro

Moenjodaro is the province of Sindh, Pakistan and archaeology trace back it existence 5000 years ago. It provides an earliest instance of exemplary form of town planning and community organization and  found to be as one of the oldest cities known today. It is said to be the pilgrimage of ancient ruins. The splendor of Indus Valley civilization spread over a thousand mile from the high peak snowy mountains of Kashmir to the glittering sand dunes facing the Arabian Sea . One of the oldest known civilization that flourished in the Indus river Basin embraced within its fold almost the entire country now known as Pakistan .

The Invincible 167 Million : 6th largest Nation of the World
The invincible 167 million Pakistani’s progressing forward with  high hopes and a mission holding an unquenchable thirst to be the world leader’s soon. Reminding you this is the nation which has a 7th largest pool of scientists and Engineers in the World. and the country that is ranked 9th in the world where English language is spoken and used as an official language. 

Pakistan: World Record holders Ibrahim Shahid and Ali Moeen Nawazish both by passing 23 A level Exams.

Pakistan: World Record holders Ibrahim Shahid and Ali Moeen Nawazish both by passing 23 A level Exams.

 

 

 

 

 

The Might : 7th Nuclear Power of the World

On May 28, 1998, Pakistan became the 7th nuclear power of the world giving a loud and clear message to the enemies that this nation is fully equipped and ready to defend it’s sovereignty. Pakistan has world 7th largest standing arm forces well trained possessing state of the art technology.  Pakistan Air force (PAF) is the symbol of pride for the nation and a galaxy of highly trained professionals emerged in latest technological developments. The highly skilled PAF personals are renowned for their excellence and handling of aircraft and surely are the worst fear for the enemies.

Pakistan: 7th largest Standing Arm Force in the World

Air force :Air Commodore MM ALAM has a world record of shooting down 5 Indian planes in less than a Minute.

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About the Author, Bilal

Nathia Gali

Pakistan: Murree valley

Pakistan : Abbottabad Valley

Pakistan : Abbottabad Valley

Pakistan: In Lahore with nephew

Capital Islamabad: the beautiful

Lahore: Badshahi Mosque Lahore

Pakistan: Lahore to Islamabad motorway

Sultan Qaboos Mosque: 2.5 hours flight to OMAN from Lahore , Pakistan.

By

Muhammad Bilal Umer.

Civil Engineer

University of Technology Sydney Australia.

+61425711119 (Aus)

+923334904604 (Pak)

Bilalumer_1@yahoo.com


Notes Post India

This is a wonderful letter from my friend to those who touched his life whilst travelling in India. He is from Singapore and had an amazing whirlwind of  a trip through India. This is a glimpse into his crazy time…

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Singapore sucks without all of you here
Not that I’ve no friends back home, but just wanna let all of you know that I’ve been missing you, loads.
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My india trip has been nothing short of fucking incredible. From the eclectic mix of Mumbai’s million subcultures, and the hippies and stoners of Goa’s Arambol, I managed to make my way to Hampi, Kerala, Kanyakumari, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Pushka, Delhi, Dharamsala, Varanasi and Agra. I’ve seen the beaches, backwaters, deserts, mountains and Indian spirituality, often accompanied by Indian filth. The sights were breathtaking, but the people I’ve met, you, were, and still are, fucking beautiful.
Many of you has been great company, making sure I was never alone and always had someone to share my drugs and joy with. More importantly, it’s you that have made me realise that the world is full of solid, ace peeps. People that are chilled out, easy-going, adventurous, sincere, and naturally nice and wise.
It’s been 8 days since I’ve gotten home, and it’s really a little different in cosmopolitan Singapore. I’m suffering from a severe Indian hangover, pasting Shiva stickers all over my room, listening to loads of Mantras and dubstep, hanging prayer flags all across my ceiling, and dreaming about the good times we’ve shared with one another.

Thanks for being the “in” of my incredible india trip. And wherever you are right now, I sincerely hope that you are still enjoying the time of your life and smiling everyday. Do send me some updates on your lives, however mundane they might be, whether you have been having fun or not.

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And I’m seriously planning to move to London next spring / summer. So if you need a writer, I’m up for it. And I’ll be visiting all you european white people soon. Love loads.

Kai – the pioneer of good times.

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Like what you read?
Check out Kai’s Blog
http://incredibleindiamindfuck.posterous.com/

China Top 10 Sites

My lovely friend Martin has been kind enough to guest blog this week with his Top 10 for China. He has been studying there for 11 months and has really got to know the country. check out his Top 10

 

CHINA: My Top 10 Sights

 

1. The Great Wall
Stretching all the way from the desert fortress of Jiayuguan to the Bohai Sea, the Great Wall is one of China’s must-see places. Marvel at the epic scale and scenery as you walk along one of the less touristed sections such as Simatai or Jinshanling, but don’t underestimate the difficulty – you will feel it the next day!

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

 

2. Beijing: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace
The capital is a fascinating mix of the ancient and modern and offers a glimpse into China’s past and future. Walk through the gargantuan Tiananmen Square into the lost world of the Forbidden City as you discover China’s imperial past. Afterwards hit up Wangfujing, Beijing’s coolest shopping district and try eating a scorpion, among other things.

Temple of Heaven

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3. Xian – Terracotta Warriors and the Muslim Quarter

China’s onetime ancient capital is a bustling modern city filled with historical gems and warm people. Before you visit the terracotta warriors to view the majesty of China’s dynastic past, soak up the atmosphere of Xian’s Muslim Quarter, eat street food and visit some of the many shops and galleries.

The eighth wonder of the world – China’s terracotta warriors

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4. Shanghai

 

Just having played host to the 2010 World Expo, China’s biggest, most modern city has a different vibe to other parts of the country. But look beneath the glitzy exterior and find beautiful temples, great restaurants and ultra-hip art galleries not to mention some of China’s most recognisable architecture.

5. Qingdao

Qingdao isn’t just known for hosting the sailing events of the 2008 Olympics. The city is home to some of China’s best beaches, as well as Tsingtao – China’s most famous beer, which the locals drink from plastic bags. Get there in October for the Chinese answer to Oktoberfest at the Tsingtao brewery.

 

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6. Nanjing

Another former capital, Nanjing was the scene for one of the darkest chapters in modern Chinese history – Reflect on ‘the rape of Nanking’ as you visit the city’s memorial hall. Also make a visit to Purple-Gold Mountain and the impressive Sun Yatsen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Tomb.

View from the top: Sun Yatsen Mausoleum

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7. Dali

It can sometimes be difficult to find peace and quiet in China, but chilled-out Dali is as good a place as any to look. Wander about the old town with its street stalls and parks, climb nearby mountains and make a trip to the three pagodas, some of the oldest buildings in southwest China and a symbol of Dali.

 

 

8. Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base
The highlight of any animal lover’s trip to China, take a day-long panda ‘internship’ and get to hang out with these amazing, beautiful and endangered animals for a day. Learn about panda habits, conservation and get the chance to have a photo with a baby panda.

 

 

9. Jiuzhaigou
Located in rugged northern Sichuan, this world heritage site’s pristine wilderness of crystal clear limestone lakes and amazing underwater forests make it a clear contender for the ‘most beautiful place in the world’. Ditch the crowds and walk the mountain trails, visiting Tibetan villages along the way.

 

 

Jiuzhaigou National Park

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10. Chinese New Year:

Catch China’s biggest party anywhere in the country! Watch lion and dragon dances, eat great food and get caught up in the spirit as you try not to step on the fireworks being let off by crowds of revelers in the street. Chinese new year literally ends with a bang, with the lantern festival concluding the festivities for another year.


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