Note: this edition of Pakistan Traveller has been superseded by the much-expanded 2017 edition. Click here for the launch of the new book.

Today is an important day in Pakistan’s history. The 23rd March 2015 marks 75 years since the Pakistan Resolution, was signed in Lahore. It was on this day in 1940 that the All-India Muslim League officially stated its aim to achieve a homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent. Seven years and just under five months later, the Republic of Pakistan declared its independence from the British empire. The 23rd March is thus celebrated as Pakistan Day.

Lahore fort

Today is also an important moment in the history of Pakistan’s tourism industry, as we celebrate the launch of Pakistan Traveller by UrbanDuniya. Pakistan Traveller is the first major travel guidebook to Pakistan since 2008. It is even more appropriate that this book is launched today, on UrbanDuniya’s second birthday.

Tourist arrivals to Pakistan have slumped in recent years, largely due to ongoing unrest in various part of the country, but also misinformation for many would-be travellers. While it is undeniable that travel to many parts of Pakistan would incur an unacceptable degree of risk, it is also true that many parts of the nation are open and accessible for travellers to come and experience a largely misunderstood culture.

Pakistan Traveller by UrbanDuniya

Indeed, people are travelling to Pakistan; figures from recent years show that up to 565,000 foreign travellers visited Pakistan in some capacity in the year 2013. However lagging demand have left those travellers without an up-to-date guide.

With an integrated website, Pakistan Traveler by UrbanDuniya offers the best practical advice for travellers to Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad. It is available at competitive prices for Kindle download at Amazon, while a PDF version is also available for those who aren’t able to access Kindle products.

Through its 166 pages readers will find 33 colour maps, scores of hotel listings, safety advice and cultural tips to make the most of the Pakistan experience.

Katas Raj Temple lake

It is our hope that Pakistan Traveller by UrbanDuniya will be of use to those travellers who are currently planning a journey to Pakistan, and will inspire those who have perhaps wondered if a trip to Pakistan is possible.

Pakistan is a fascinating, beautiful place, imbibed with an long tradition of culture and hospitality. It is conservative and rough-going, but travel here can be very fun and extremely rewarding. There are crazily busy cities, and startlingly placid mosques. There are hot, dusty, fort-strewn deserts, glistening forest glens, and there are snow-capped jagged mountain ranges. There are unbelievable displays of religious devotion, and there are unforgettable moments of hospitality.

Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, Uch Sharif

Happy Pakistan Day to all, and I hope I can share my beautiful country with all of you in some way or another.

salam (“peace”)