Pakistan has been the cradle of civilization that dates back more than five millenium.

Over the
centuries,through successive waves of migrations from the North West,as well as by internal
migrations across the Sub Continent,Aryans,Persians,Greeks,Arabs and Mughals came and
settled in the region and have left behind the archaelogical sites in Pakistan which is now being
preserved.

A brief review of the different civilizations which flourished and then perished with the passage
of time is as under:
Moen- jo- Daro
Moen-jo-Daro is situated at a distance of some kilometers from Larkana.A civilization fourished
there some 4000 years ago.It was discovered by Sir John Marshall in 1922.Moen jo Daro stands
as most spectacular of all the excavate cities of the Indus valley civilization.It is strange that at its
glory,it was a beautiful city with brick walled houses,pillared halls,markets,baths,lanes,streets
and public places.Every house had walls,drains and bathrooms inside it.
Harappa
Harappa is situated in the city o Sahiwal.Scientist and archaelogists believe that Harappa also
belongs to the Indus valley civilization.Remains of this city were excavated in the 1920.
Gandhara
It is comparratively a new civilization,the regions comprising Northern Punjab,Peshawar valley
and Eastern Afghanistan was known as Gandhara.For a long time it remained the meeting place
of various ancient cultures,as it was rule by many rulers.A distinctive art which is known as
Gandhara Art took place from here and flourished during the 2nd and 3rd century of Christian
era.Thousand monastries and stupas were widely built here Buddha's figures,shapes and
monastries all made prominent features of Gandhara Arts.
Buddhist Remains
The Buddhist era ushered in some 500 years B.C.The Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bahi is in
N.W.F.P .It dates 2-5 century old.Some mounds were also found near Peshawar which represent
Kanishka's mighty Pakistan.An impressive complex of Chapels,Stupas,quadrangles and monk's
cells are also found.The great Buddhist civilization now forming the heritage of the present
Pakistan culture.
Taxila
It was excavated in recent times near Rawalpindi.Taxila is the most popular name in history.It
came into prominence during the Persian occupation.At its zenith,the city was the nucleus of
religious and cultural activities.
Thatta
The main town of Thatta is famous for specimens of Indo-Muslim architecture in the Sub
Continent.Noteable among them is the great mosque built by Shah-Jahan.The principle
monuments of Thatta are located on the Makli Hill.
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

Lahore Fort
It is also known as Shahi Qila.It was built by Akbar.The main structure inside the fort are the
Moti Masjid,Diwan-e-Aam,Maktab Khana,the Shish Mahal and Nawlakha.The Hathi and
Alamgir gates are also remarkable constructions.

Badshahi Mosque
It was built by Aurangzeb.Its architecture is similar to the Jamia Masjid Delhi.The mosque has
been built with red stones while the domes are in marble.
Jahangir Tomb
This tomb wasbuiltby Shsh Jahan.It is known as a fine building of Lahore.
Shalimar Garden
It is situated on the Grand Trunk Road and is a magnificent remnant of Mughal Grandeur.The
garden constitutes of three terraces,one above the other.Besides there is an elobrate and beautiful
reservoir,water channels and fountains.
Masjid Wazir Khan
It is situated in Kashmir Baazar inside the walls of the old city.It was built by Nawab Wazir Khan
who was a viceroy of Punjab under Shah Jahan.
Golden Mosque
It is situated near the Masjid Wazir Khan .It was built during the rule of Mohammad Shah and it
is also a very beautifull piece of architecture.
Mahabat Khan Mosque
This Mosque was built by a Government of Peshawar.Mahabat Khan,duringShah Jahan's
region.It has afine massive structured with lofty minarets.

The Fort of Bala Hasar

This fort was built on raised plateform 92 feet from the ground level.There are two gardens near
the fort.