User talk:Aqsajaved/sandbox

' Lahore in a glance compiled by Aqsa Javed aqsa6662@hotmail.com Lahore (Urdu: لاہور‎; Punjabi: لہور) is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. It is considered to be the 38th biggest city of the world.It is the historical centre for the Punjabi people and most populated city of the world, with native Punjabi citizens. With a rich history dating back over a millennium, Lahore is a main cultural centre of Punjab andPakistan. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains an economic, political, transportation, entertainment, and educational hub. Origins A legend based on oral traditions holds that Lahore, known in ancient times as Lavapuri ("City of Lava" in Sanskrit), was founded by Prince Lava or Loh, the son of Rama, the Hindudeity, while Kasur was founded by his twin brother Prince Kusha. Lahore was ruled by Lava/Lor branch of Gurjars before the advent of Arabs in this area. It is also said that Lahore is named after Lor branch of Gurjars. To this day, Lahore Fort has a vacant temple dedicated to Lava (also pronounced Loh, henceLoh-awar or "The Fort of Loh").

Rulers of Lahore Mughal’s era began in Lahore from early 16th century. Lahore reached the peak of its architectural glory during the rule of the Mughals 1524 to 1752, many of whose buildings and gardens have survived the ravages of time. During this time, the massive Lahore Fort was built. Post Mughal era bagan during the 18th century, as Mughal power dwindled, Punjab, including Lahore, was often invaded, and government authority was lacking! Sikh reign began in the late 18th centurt. Frequent invasions by the Durrani Empire and the Maratha Empire due to the decline of the Mughal Empire, led to a lack of governance in the Punjab region. The Sikh Misls were in close combate with the Durrani Empire, but began to gain territory and eventually the Bhangi Misl captured Lahore. The Sikh court continued to endow religious architecture in the city, including a number of Sikh gurdwaras, Hindu temples and mosques. During the relatively short periode of the Sikh Empire, the structures and architecture of Lahore were rebuiled which were further developed during the British Raj. The Britishers rule Punab from 1849-1947. The British first introduced Urdu as an official language in Punjab, including Lahore, allegedly due to a fear of Punjabi nationalism. History Little is known of the history of the settlement prior to the Muslim period. Hindu legend attributes the founding of Lahore to Lava, or Loh, son of Rama (the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana), after whom it is said to have been named Lohawar. It was the capital of the Ghaznavid dynasty from 1152 to 1186. The city became Muslim when Qutub-ud-din Aibak was crowned in 1206 and thus became the first Muslim Sultan of the subcontinent. During the 14th century the city was repeatedly attacked by the Mongols, and from 1524 to 1752 Lahore was part of the Mughal Empire. During Akbar's (Jellaladin Muhammad Akbár the Great 1542-1605) rule, Lahore was the capital of the empire from 1584 to 1598. Lahore's golden age began under the Mughals, and the city occasionally became the place of royal residence. During this time a massive fort, the Lahore Fort, which display magnificent examples of Kashi, or encaustic tile work was built on the fundaments of an older fort in the 1560s. This fort was later extended by Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The last of the great Mughals, Aurangzeb from 1658 until 1707, built the city's most famous monuments, the Badshahi Masjid Literally the 'Royal Mosque' and the Alamgiri Gate to the Lahore Fort. From the death of Aurangzeb to the accession of Ranjit Singh, Lahore was subjected to Sikh insurrections. With the invasion of Nader Shah, Lahore became an outpost 2of his empire, but its history thereafter was associated with the rise of the Sikhs. Under the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh (1799-1839) it became the seat of a powerful government but declined again under his successors. The city passed under British rule in 1849.

Population of Lahore Lahore is the second largest and the second most densely populated cities of Pakistan. The population statistics of the year 2006 mark the population of the region as 10 million approximately. The population of Lahore, Pakistan is 6310888 according to the GeoNames geographical database.

Civic Administration of Lahore Under the latest revision of Pakistan's administrative structure, promulgated in 2001, Lahore was tagged as a City District, and divided into nine towns. Each town in turn consists of a group of union councils (U.C.'s) Neighbourhoods Lahore's old city fabric has changed dramatically over time under the occupation of various South Asian empires. Some of the older remaining colonies of Lahore are: Baghbanpura, Batapur, Begum Kot, Model Town, Chah Miran, Chowk Yateem Khana, Samanabad,Gawalmandi, Harbanspura, Jallo Mor, Krishan Nagar, Mozang Chungi, Mughalpura, Qila Gujar Singh, Raiwind, Sanda, Shahdara Bagh, Shadman, Sultanpura and Tajpura. Geography and Climate of Lahore Lahore, Pakistan is located at 31.5497 [latitude in decimal degrees], 74.3436 [longitude in decimal degrees] at an elevation/altitude of meters. The average elevation of Lahore, Pakistan is 210 meters. Lying between 31°15′—31°45′ N and 74°01′—74°39′ E, Lahore is bounded on the north and west by the Sheikhupura District, on the east by Wagah, and on the south by Kasur District. The Ravi River flows on the northern side of Lahore. Lahore city covers a total land area of 404 km² and is still growing. Lahore features a hot semi-arid climate with rainy, long and extremely hot summers, dry and warm winters, a monsoon and dust storms. The weather of Lahore is extreme during the months of May, June and July, when the temperatures soar to 40–48 °C (104–118 °F). From late June till August, the monsoon seasons starts, with heavy rainfall throughout the province. The city's highest maximum temperature was 48.3 °C (118.9 °F) recorded on May 30, 1944. And 48 °C (118 °F) was recorded on June 10, 2007. At the time the meteorological office recorded this official temperature in the shade, it reported a heat index in direct sunlight of 55 °C (131 °F). The lowest temperature recorded in Lahore is −1 °C(30 °F) recorded on 13 January 1967. The highest rainfall in the city recorded during 24 hours is 221 millimetres (8.7 in), which occurred on 13 August 2008. The city on 26 February 2011, received heavy rain and hailstorm measuring 4.5 millimetres, which carpeted several roads and sidewalks with measurable hail for the first time in the climatic history of Lahore.

Nicknames for Lahore Paris of the East, The Heart of Pakistan, The Pearl of the Pakistan,City of Living Hearts, The Garden of the Mughals, The Cultural Capital of Pakistan, Data Ki Nagri, City of Gardens, City of Festivals.

Time Zone The time zone id for Lahore is Asia/Karachi. Alternative Names Alternative names for Lahore, Pakistan include: Lahaur,Lahor,Lahoras,Lahore,Lakhor,Lâhore,Lāhaur,la he er,lahaura,laholeu,lahora,lahori,lahwr,rahoru,Лахор,לאהור,لاهور,لاھور,لاہور,लाहोर,लाहौर,લાહોર,ლაჰორი,ラホール,ラーホール,拉合尔,拉合爾,라호르 Some of the old names of Lahore can be observed as: •	Laha-noor •	Loh-pur •	Mahmood-pur •	Samandpal Nagiri •	Lohar-pur

Languages spoken in Lahore Punjabi is the native language of the province but has no official status in Lahore and some Punjabi activists have raised demands for recognition of Punjabi. English and Urdu have become increasingly popular with educated and younger people due to its official status in government and preferred language status for business. . According to the 1998 census, 86.2% or 6,896,000 of the population are Punjabis; 10.2% or 816,000 are Urdu speakers and the Seraikis, at 0.4%, number about 32,000. The city has also been capital and part of three Persianates and therefore heavy Persian influence is evident on the lifestyles of people and the city itself.Persian is also spoken in many parts of the city and Persian-language quotes and sayings are engraved on many ancient and modern buildings. Religions practiced in Lahore According to the 1998 census, 94% of Lahore's population is Sunni or Shia Muslim, up from 60% in 1941. Other religions include Christians (5.80% of the total population, though they form around 9.0% of the rural population), and a small number of Bahá'ís, Hindus, Ahmediya,Parsis, and Sikhs. Due to Lahore's diverse culture, there are many mosques, shrines, synagogues,Hindu and Jain temples, Sikh Gurudwaras, and churches across the city. Some of the most famous mosques include: Badshahi Masjid, Dai Anga Mosque, Data Durbar Complex, Shia Masjid,Suneri Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Moti Masjid, Masjid-e-Shuhda (Martyr's Mosque) andMosque of Mariyam Zamani Begum. There are many shrines dedicated to different people. Some of the famous shrines include: Tomb of Muhammad Iqbal, Bibi Pak Daman, Samadhi of Ranjit Singh,Tomb of Shah Jamal, Tomb of Lal Hussain, Tomb of Anārkalī, Tomb of Jahangir, Tomb of EmpressNur Jehan and Tomb of Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan. Some of the well-known churches include Regal Church, Hall Road Church, Convent of Jesus and Mary and Sacred Heart Cathedra

Ethnic Makeup of Lahore Amongst the ethnic groups inhabiting the region are Punjabi's, Muhajir, Seraikis and a small population of refugees from Afghanistan and Iran.

Economy of Lahore Lahore Economy is the most flourishing economy among the other cities in Pakistan. It contributes in a major way to the GDP of Pakistan. Lahore is hailed as the industrial belt of Pakistan and is home to the largest IT Park in Pakistan.

Lahore Economy is quite stable and is the major contributor to Pakistan's economy. Pakistan's second largest stock exchange is situated in Lahore. Lahore is the economic hub of Pakistan and the commercial capital of Lahore. Both the government administrative bodies namely, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) are located in Lahore and they are operated from here. The IT Park in Lahore is the largest information technology park in Pakistan. This area contributes the most when it comes to software exports. Lahore is also the largest industrial belt in Pakistan. Areas like Kot Lakhpat and the Sundar Industrial Estate (near Raiwand) are the most flourishing regions. The tourism industry is also growing in leaps and bounds in Lahore. The GDP of Lahore by PPP is around $28million. The economy is growing at a rate of 5.9%.

City Landmarks The old city was at one time surrounded by a wall and a moat, but these structures have been replaced, except in the North, by a garden. A circular road around the rampart provides access to the old city by 13 gates. Within the old city are found the mosque of Wazir Khan (1634) and the northern wall of Lahore Fort. Other old-city landmarks include the impressive Badshahi (Imperial) Mosque, built by Aurangzeb; Ranjit Singh's buildings and mausoleum; the Shahdara Gardens, containing the tomb of the Mughal emperor Jahangir and his wife Noor Jehan; and the magnificent Shalimar Gardens, laid out east of the city in 1641 by Shah Jahan and consisting of about 80 acres (32 hectares) of terraced gardens containing numerous fountains. Lahore Transportation The Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore is one of the most accessible cities of Pakistan. In addition to the historic Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road), a motorway was completed in 2000, from Lahore to Islamabad. Due to Lahore ever increasing traffic problems the Government introduced many underpasses to ease congestions and prevent traffic jams. According to official figures, Lahore has the highest number of underpasses in Pakistan, due to an attempt by the government to link one end of the city to the other end. however, Lahore still has very high levels of air pollution and smog, which can accumulate over days due to Lahore having little precipitation throughout the year. this is also due to the industry growing at a a dizzying rate in Lahore, with lots of factories opening all the time. As air travel has been on the rise, the Government built a completely new airport for the city that was constructed in 2003. It was named Allama Iqbal International Airport after the national poet of Pakistan Mohammed Iqbal. It facilitates for the increasing demand by passengers and the growth of the city for which it was built to accommodate. It is served by many international airlines as well as the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. With the opening of Allama Iqbal International Airport, the previous airport now operates as the Hajj Terminal to facilitate the great influx of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj every year. The Hajj services are operated by the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), however recent news suggests that the Government is going to allow all airlines operating to Pakistan to airlift pilgrims. Lahore is one of Pakistan's most accessible cities and the only city in the country where one can find public and private transportation 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. This includes public buses, as well as thousands of rickshaws and taxis, which run on compressed natural gas to reduce pollution in the city. About 75% of residents have their own conveyances. The Pakistan Railways Headquarters is located in Lahore, the only railway operator in Pakistan fully owned by the Government. Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation for commuters in Lahore. The railway connects the farthest corners of the country and brings them closer to Lahore for business, sight seeing, pilgrimage and education. It has been a great integrating force and forms the life line of the country by catering to its needs for large scale movement of people and freight in and out of Lahore. The Lahore Central Railway Station is also located in the heart of the city, which was built during the British Colonial era.

Whereas, personal cars, rikshaw, taxi, chingi, local transports, buses, cycles and motor-cycles are common vehicles in the city

Arts and Architecture Art of Lahore has a strong bearing upon the Mughal period. The historical monuments and buildings of Lahore stand as the specimen of Mughal art and architecture. However, the heritage also has a touch of Aryans, Arabs, Persians, British, Sikhs and Greeks. Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens, Nur Jehan's Tomb, Tomb of Jahangir,Anarkali Bazaar, The Lahore Museum, Chauburji or Char Minar and Bagh-e-Jinnah are some the major architectural works found in Lahore. The palaces/havelis, forts, madrassas and mosques make the Lahore art known among the rest of the world. The art galleries of Lahore also display a number of artefacts belonging to the Mughal period. Many contemporary artworks are also exhibited in the art galleries of the city. In modern days, parts of Bahria Town Housing Scheme in Lahore are themed on ancient Egyptian culture. There are many other architectural notables, including themes for different locales that make Bahria a very interesting and well conceived scheme to visit and live in.[1] The World Performing Arts Festival is held every autumn (usually in November) at the Alhambra cultural complex, a large venue consisting of several theatres and amphitheatre. This ten-day festival consists of musicals, theatre, concerts, dance, solo, mime, and puppetry shows. The festival has an international character, with nearly 80 percent of the shows performed by international performers. On average 15–20 different shows are performed every day of the festival. Lahore is also the centre of Pakistan's puppetry industry. Although not economically viable as a business, the Peerzada family has been arranging puppetry festivals for more than a decade, at one point even bringing the biggest festival in the world to Lahore.[3] Lahore's biggest contributor to the art scene is undoubtedly the National College of Arts, the country's, most prestigious art college, which has produced some of the country's most famous painters, writers, actors and musicians. There are also several art galleries throughout the city which hold exhibitions regularly among which the Drawing Room Art Gallery is the most popular.

Projects The Lahore Expo Centre is one of the biggest projects in the history of the city and was inaugurated on 22 May 2010. Lake City is a resort and residential development planned on the outskirts of Lahore. Covering an area of more than 2,104 acres (851 ha), the resort will include lush green parks, sinuous lakes, an 18-hole regulation golf course and other features. Defense Raya Golf Resort, also under construction, will be Pakistan's and Asia's largest golf course. The project is the result of a partnership between DHA Lahore and BRDB Malaysia. The rapid development of large projects such as these in the city is expected to boost the economy of the country.Among the many other projects under construction in Lahore are: Pace Tower (24 floors, under construction),Mall99 (21 floors, under construction), Lahore Expo Centre (completed), Expo Centre tower (approved), IT Tower (23 floors, under construction),Alamgir Tower (31 floors, under construction),DHA Haly Tower (low rise, under construction),Lahore Ring Road (under construction),Lahore Sports City (approved), Kot Lakhpat elevated expressway (approved), Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System (under construction, to be completed by December, 2012),Xinhua Mall (20 floors, under construction), Lahore-Sialkot motorway (under construction), Boulevard Heights (19 floors, under construction),Pearl Continental Tower (40 floors, 152 meters, proposed), LDA Tower (40 floors, approved), Bank Square Gulberg (vision), Pace Circle and Hyatt Regency (12 floors, under construction) and Tricon Corporate Tower (18 floors, under construction).The economy is also enhanced by Lahore's historic and cultural importance. Being the capital of the largest province in Pakistan brings the city one of the largest development budgets in the country.

Education and Literacy rate of Lahore Lahore is known as Pakistan's educational capital, with more colleges and universities than any other city in Pakistan. Lahore is Pakistan's largest producer of professionals in the fields of science, technology, IT, engineering, medicine, nuclear sciences, pharmacology, telecommunication, biotechnology and microelectronics, nanotechnology and the only future hyper high tech centre of Pakistan. Most of the reputable universities are public, but in recent years there has also been an upsurge in the number of private universities. The current literacy rate of Lahore is 74%.

Health Centres inLahore Lahore has a number of hospitals, including Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Hamid Latif Hospital, Nawaz Sharif Social Security Hospital, Lahore General Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, Gulab Devi Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Sheikh Zaid Hospital,Fatima Memorial Hospital shadman lahore, Ittefaq Hospital, Punjab Institute of Cardiology and Sharif Medical Complex. The current government of Punjab has a comprehensive plan to establish new hospitals and medical colleges in the city. Culture & Festivity Lahore is a very festive city, the people of Lahore celebrate many traditions throughout the year, with blending of moghal, western and latest trends. As Lahore has large muslim population, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are celebrated in full swing with various concerts held in the city. Many people decorate their houses and light candles to light up the streets and houses.

Basant is a Punjab festival that marks the coming of spring. Basant celebrations in Pakistan are centered in Lahore and people from all over the country and abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. Kite flying competitions take place all over the city's rooftops during Basant. Currently the kite flying has been drawn under restriction by court due to a number of casualties caused every year by the strings used to fly kites. Now it is considered an illegal phenomenon, sadly a complete ban on kite flying has been put in place to prevent any more injuries. During 2006 the local Government of Punjab banned kite flying until further notice.

The Festival of Lamps or Mela Chiraghan is a very important and popular event in Lahore. This is celebrated at the same time as Basant, every spring on the last Friday of March outside the Shalimar Gardens. During the festival, people from all walks of life gather from all over the province to actively participate in the Festival. National Horse and Cattle Show is one of the most famous annual festivals, the National Horse and Cattle Show is also held in Spring in the Fortress Stadium. During the week long activities, there is a display of the finest livestock, horse and camel dances, tent pegging, colourful folk dances from all regions of Pakistan, mass-band displays and tattoo shows in the evenings.

On August 14, every year all over Pakistan, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan gained its independence from the British Raj for an independent state for muslims. There are lots of celebrations in Lahore, the streets are full of joyful people singing and dancing. Concerts are held with many pop and classical singers.

Parks and gardens in Lahore Lahore is known as the City of Gardens. Many gardens were built in Lahore during the Mughal era, some of which still survive. The Shalimar Gardens were laid out during the reign of Shah Jahan. The Lawrence Gardens were established in 1862 and were originally named after Sir John Lawrence, late 19th century British Viceroy to India. The many other gardens and parks in the city include Hazuri Bagh,Iqbal Park, Mochi Bagh, Gulshan Iqbal Park, Model Town Park, Race Course Park, Nasir Bagh Lahore, Jallo Park, Wild Life Park, and Changa Manga, an artificial forest near Lahore in the Kasurdistrict. Another example is the Bagh-e-Jinnah, a 141-acre (57 ha) botanical garden that houses entertainment and sports facilities as well as a library. he Lahore Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the South Asia after Calcutta and has been a source of amusement and recreation for families for more than 100 years. Lahore also has a safari park covering more than 200 acres (81 ha). The park has safaris for different animals. Jilani Park (formerly Race Course Park) is famous for its floral exhibitions and artificial waterfall. Annual horse racing competitions are held in this park.

Eating Habits of Lahoris Lahoris are known for their love of food and eating. While Lahore has a great many traditional and modern restaurants, in recent years Western fast food chains, such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, Subway Sandwiches, Dunkin Donuts, Nando's andKentucky Fried Chicken have appeared all over the city. Recently the food streets in the historic locales of Lahore (Gawalmandi, Anarkali, and Badshahi Mosque) have attracted tourists. Food streets have undergone restorations and are cordoned off in the evenings for pedestrian traffic only; numerous cafés serve local delicacies under the lights and balconies of restored havelis (traditional residential dwellings). Some of the trendiest restaurants in Lahore are concentrated on the M M Alam Road in Gulberg. Here, dozens of high-class culinary outlets, ranging from Western franchises to traditional, ethnic, or theme restaurants, attract all classes of Lahore's citizens. New restaurants are constantly opening, and the business is extremely competitive. Many boisterous restaurants of Lahore are open late into the night. Some branches of Pizza Hut and McDonald's are open 24/7; McDonald's and KFC also offer a home delivery service. Lahore also boasts a unique restaurant housed in a 300-year-old Kothi-style dwelling of a famous artist which was once a brothel. At different times in the life of this property, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim families have owned it. Another famous Lahore landmark is the Pak Tea House in Anarkali, long a favoured haunt of intellectuals and artists. There are popular shisha bars (offering the flavoured tobacco pipes commonly found in Middle Eastern nations), attractive food outlets, and musical concerts and shows. Alcohol is available to foreigners who request it at certain hotels, but is generally not sold in public. Lahoris are known for their exquisite taste in food, so the market has produced some of the most versatile, classy and inviting restaurants in the world. The blend of food at some uniquely expressive locales is exceptional.

Markets, shopping centres and Molls in Lahore Lahore has hundreds of markets and shopping centers. The alleys and lanes of the bazaars located in the old city of Lahore are full of traditional wares like leather articles, embroidered garments, glass bangles, beaten gold and silver jewellery, and creations in silk. Anarkali is named after the famous courtesan ofAkbar’s time, Anarkali (Pomegranate Blossom). The grave of Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak, who died falling off his horse while playing polo, is also located in Anarkali on Aibak Road. Rang Mahal is part of old Lahore and today's houses a largest wholesale and retail cloth markets in Punjab. Lahore's technology markets include the Hall Road, Pakistan's largest electronics market adjacent to the Mall Road, and the Hafeez Centre, Asia's largest computer market, located on the Gulberg Main Boulevard. One of Lahore's important techno-markets, "Shah Alam Market" or Shalmi as locals call it, exists near the site of the Shah Alam Gate of Lahore. Foreign clothes brands and famous Pakistani fashion labels (such as Amir Adnan, Aijazz, Rizwan Beyg, Deepak Perwani, Shayanne Malik, Maria B, Khaadi, Sputnik Footwear, Metro Shoes, English Boot House, Cotton & Cotton, Men's Store and Junaid Jamshed) are present in shopping districts of the city. Pace, a popular shopping centre, is also located on the Main Boulevard Gulberg beside the Hafeez Centre. The most well-known and popular shopping areas are the Liberty Market in Gulberg, in H-Block and Y-Block markets inDefence Housing Authority and at the Fortress Stadium, as well as malls in Gulberg, Model Town, MM Alam Road, and Lahore Cantonment. MM Alam Road is widely known for its designer stores and many cafes. Apart from these, numerous shopping areas have been developed in many of Lahore's new suburbs such as Bahria Town, Lake City, and Thokar Niaz Baig. Huge shopping malls and centres like Metro, Makro and Hyperstar (Carrefour) have situated their headquarters in Lahore. Lahore also offers a variety of nighttime shopping activities. There are many shopping areas which remain open late into the night, offering an atmosphere of lively hustle and bustle.

Night Passion of Lahoris Lahore offers a variety of nighttime activities. There are popular shisha bars (offering the flavoured tobacco pipes commonly found in Middle Eastern nations), attractive food outlets, and musical concerts and shows. Alcohol is available but is generally not sold in public. Lahoris are known for their exquisite taste in food, so the market has produced some of the most versatile, classy and inviting restaurants in the world. The blend of food and music at some uniquely expressive locales is exceptional. There are many shopping areas which remain open late into the night, offering an atmosphere of lively hustle and bustle (not to mention numerous bargains). Also all mobile companies have introduced special night packages and lowest calling rates per hour.After having all other luxuries- shisha, good food, gathering and roaming with friends, youngsters are seen busy on their phones.

Sheesha Craze Lahori youngsters are now-a-days mad about sheesha. It has now become most favorite “habit” of the youth. However the governmenr of Punjab has taken enormous steps to bann sheesha in cafes. Fashion In Lahore Lahore is recognised as one of the nation's most important fashion capitals, along with Karachi. Most of the fashion industry of Pakistan is based in Lahore. It has been home to numerous fashion artists and designers, such as Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, Karma, Qasim Yar Tiwana, Khawar Riaz and many others designers. Many models of Pakistan also belong to Lahore such as Amna Haq, Iman Ali, Imran Abbas, Mehreen Syed, Meesha Shafi, Rabia Butt and many others. Numerous fashion weeks have been held in Lahore. The Fashion models are not only restricted within the national boundaries but are reaching among the international fashion models, and catwalks. It is becoming multi-dimensional industry with the variety in it. The frequent participation of Pakistani Fashion models has also proved that they are working on different grounds, facing the international models. In the Fashion industry internationally, Pakistani Fashion models are making their prominent position. Lahore is also home to important fashion institutions such asPakistan Institute of Fashion and Design and the Lahore School of Fashion Design. A Group Photo of Pakistani Fashion Industry's Designers, Models and Stylists.

Music and Dance Lahore has seen a myriad of melodies, genres, and vocals alongside a variety of musical instruments (both new and old) over the past few decades. This has given rise to the city’s diverse sound of music and rapidly evolving culture. Lahore's Music ranges from the earthy qawwalis of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the Punjabi ditties of Abrar-ul-Haq, the pop sensations; Atif Aslam and Ali Zafar, the Sufi-Rock of Junoon, the underground Lahori grunge/rock revolution (of a handful of bands) in the early 90s and to the revolutionaries of yesteryear –Noor Jehan, Farida Khanum, Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and many more. In addition, the dhol maestro, Pappu Sain, and the master of the iktara, Saien Zahoor (both of whom have shared their glory performing for people at shrines to concerts), to the fresh crop of commercialised Lahori pop acts (of both the past and today), to the jaded, angst-ridden rockers/bands such as Shahzad Hameed, Call, and Entity Paradigm; music from Lahore has been assorted at best. In fact, the Lahori music scene has churned out so many musicians over the years that it would be almost impossible to list each band/musician down. Nonetheless, each has contributed to the country’s music scene on a macro level – making it what it is today; pulsating with promise. Lahore is also famously known in the Indian subcontinent for its mujra dance, which originated in the courts of the Mughals and has been passed on through successive generations by traditional women practitioners. Now-a-days Dance Party culture is very famous in Lahore. An article published in “Pakistan Today” on Thursday, 23 Aug 2012 stated “Women in short skirts and men with gelled hair bump and grind on a dance floor as a disc jockey pumps up the volume. The air is thick with illicit smoke and shots of hard liquor are being passed around. Couples cuddle in a lounge. This is not Saturday night at a club in New York, London or Paris. It is the secret side of Pakistan, a Muslim nation often described in the West as a land of bearded, Islamic hardmen and repressed, veiled women.”

Increased Crime rate in Lahore THE ratio of heinous crime incidents, including robbery, rose up to 33 percent during the first two months of the current year as compared to that of last year in Punjab province, The News has learnt. The official data of all reported crime incidents in the province, available with The News, shows that the incidents of dacoity, including motor vehicle snatching, have shoot up to 33 percent as around 529 such cases were reported during the first two months of 2011 whereas this figure rose up to 706 in the corresponding period in 2012. The incidents of robbery, including motor vehicle snatching, have increased up to 9 percent as around 3,210 such cases were reported in 2011 whereas around 3,506 such incidents were reported in 2012.

Youth trends in Lahore The youngsters in the city are modernized and one will see them dressed in latest fashion and trends, disregard to which category they belong (upper or lower class). They are usually seen busy on cell phones, ipads, Laptops and iphone. Some of the are really interested in studies and in making their career but unfortunately many are seen hanging out with friends at university timings. Sheesha, smoking, drugs, hard drinks, beer and other stuff like “ecstacy” are common among them. To have a girl friend or a boy friend has now become the Need of youngsters, otherwise it doesnot go with their images. Slangs are common among them and it is no more considered bad to abuse some one in a friendly manner. Elite Class of Lahore The gentry of Lahore prefer living in posh areas like Defence, Cantt or other newly built schemes. Golf and Snooker are the famous sports among them. On weekends, elite class youngsters enjoy dance parties and other night gatherings to push social boundaries in discreet surroundings that would horrify, and enrage, advocates of the stricter brand of Islam. Young men and women mix freely, dancing, talking or drinking. Some curl up together in quiet areas. Although alcohol is prohibited in the country, but it is easily accessable to them.

Upper Class VS Lower Class Lahore is divided into different classes depending on the financial standing of people in the society. Conflict between classes generates due to the unequal distribution of wealth in society. The privileges that the upper class enjoys, their disregard for laws, mistreatment of lower classes, influence and control in the country are contrasted with the deprived state of the lower classes. This causes `frustration and anger` in the less fortunate who are victims of a society divided into classes. The lower classes have to strive to keep their self respect intact in the society ruled by the elite. Centre of interest for International Investors It has earned the fame of being a lively and safe metropolitan city for the citizens. You can find a fine mix of different ethnicities, cultures and income groups. Lahore is not just a cultural centre but also an economic and entertainment hub of Pakistan. Due to all these reasons it has become the top choice for both local and international investors who prefer investing here as compared to any other city in Pakistan. Dark Side of Lahore However, living in Lahore has now become difficult due to severe competitions and unemployment. Living in the city has also become quite expensive. Residents face the shortage of Electricity and gas. During three days of CNG shutdown, it becomes difficult to move even with in the city. Engery crisis has made situation all more worsening. Similarly, house rents, education, medical treatment and other eatables are becoming expensive day by day. the ratio of crime is also increasing making living all more worsening.

Lahore Tourist Attractions Lahore offers to its visitors a host of tourist destinations. A historical city, Lahore houses a number of historical landmarks that interest the tourists. Well known as the City of Gardens, Lahore houses a number of attractive parks where the guests can enjoy the beauty of Nature. Some of the popular parks of the city are the Shalimar Gardens, the Lawrence gardens, Gulshan Iqbal Park, Hazuri Bagh, Nasir Bagh Lahore, Iqbal Park, Jallo Park, Model Town Park, Mochi Bagh, Race Course Park, Changa Manga the artificial forest and the Wild Life Park. Apart from these the city houses a large market from where the visitors can choose a vast selection of souvenirs, dress materials and other indigenous articles. It won’t be wrong to say that Lahore is the most happening and booming city in Pakistan. It has earned the fame of being a lively and safe metropolitan city for the citizens. Lahore is not just a cultural centre but also an economic and entertainment hub of Pakistan.