Pakistan is located in the north-western part of South Asia its full name is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan It enjoys great importance in the Muslim world. In the south-west of Asia almost all the countries are Muslim States The western boundaries of Pakistan are connected with Afghanistan and Iran Iraq and Turkey are in the west of Iran. The two continents of Asia and Europe meet in Turkey Some part of Europe lies in Turkey. Syria, Lebanon and Jordan are the Muslim States These are situated in the south of Turkey In the south of Jordan lies the peninsula of Arabia Saudi Arabia has two holy places for the Muslims of the world Mecca and Medina. Yemen, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait are in the south-east of this peninsula
In the nineties 20th century all the Central Asian Muslim States got independence from the Soviet Russia. Out of which Tadzkistan, Kazakistan, Krigizia, Azerbyjan and Uzbekistan etc. have established commercial Political and economic relations with Pakistan They have opened embassies in Pakistan and Pakistan has also established embassies in these countries
These Muslims States are in the south-west of Asia In the south-east of Asia there are many important Muslim States Bangladesh lies in the north of the Bay of Bengal. It was a part of Pakistan uptil 1971 It was previously called East Pakistan Malaysia is in the south-east of Bangladesh It touches the borders of Indonesia which has many big and small islands.
There are many independent Muslim States in the north of Africa These states lie near the coast from east to west. Egypt is in the nom-east of the continent of Africa. Libya and Algeria lie in the west of Egypt. Tunisia is a small state in between these two States. There are some other Independent Muslim States in western, central and eastern parts of Africa. Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Central Africa Republic lie in the north-west of Africa. In the eastern part of Africa are the Muslim States of Sudan and Somalia. Pakistan is lucky to have independent Muslim States upto the west of Afrixa and in the south-east of Asia having Islam as their main religion.
Importance
1. From the valley of the Indus to the Atlantic Ocean, there is a vast Islamic Bloc. No doubt it serves as a bridge between the Western Muslim States and Eastern Muslim States.and Eastern Muslim States. Pakistan has great importance in the Muslim countries on account of its geographical location. Due to its location the Islamic Bloc enjoys the same importance in the world as Pakistan enjoys in the Islamic Bloc. Turkey has a control over the water-way of Dardanelles and the Bosporus. These serve as gateway from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. In the South this sea touches the coasts of all the Muslim States situated in North Africa. The European nations always tried to keep hold on them on account of their useful geographical location.
2. Political conditions of these Muslim States have a lot of influence on world politics. The Muslim States also control the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Land and Sea routes to Europe and the Eastern countries pass through the Islamic Bloc which controls all the land and sea routes from the West to the East. The European ships sailing to the Far East and Australia pass through the Suez Canal and touch the ports of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia. The aeroplanes flying towards East from America and Europe touch the airports of the Islamic Bloc. Bairut, Cairo, Tehram and Karachi are the main and most important airports on this route.
3. The mineral wealth of the Islamic Bloc has a great importance. The Middle-East Countries, Iran Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the united Arab Emirates are very rich in oil because it is found in Large quantites there. Many developing and advanced countries of the world depend on them for their oil supply.
4. Road links between Pakistan and the newly independent Central Asian countries are being constructed. Pakistan will be supplying food and cloth items etc. to these countries and these countries can provide us technical and scientific assistance in establishing new industries specially in manufacturing arms and ammunition etc.
Independent States of the Muslim World
There were nearly forty-six independent States in the Muslim world. Recently more than half a dozen central Asian Muslim countries have become independent. These States differ from one another in size and population. Some of these States are in the west of Pakistan These states make a chain of countries from the Middle East to the west of Africa. Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia are in South-East Asia.
1. Pakistan
In 1947 two great countries came into bang, India and Pakistan, each forming a self-government unit as a part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The Republics of India and Pakistan thus replace the former British Empire in Indian Sub-Continent.
The Muslims of South-Asia struggled hard for the establishment of an independent State (Pakistan) under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. At last on 14th August, 1947, Pakistan became an independent Muslim State. The first Governor General of our dear country was Quaid-e-Azam. He worked hard for the administration and development of the newly-born State. He became seriously sick and dies on 11th September, 1948. Khan Liaquat Ali Khan became the first Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was shot dead in a public meeting at Rawalpindi on 16th October, 1951.
At that time our country was leading towards Civil War. General Muhammad Ayub Khan, the then C-in-C of Pakistan look over and imposed Martial Law in October 1958. An agitation him started throughout the country. He handed over the government to General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan. He took over as the President of Pakistan on 25th March. 1969 He held general elections in December 1970 Sheikh Mujeeb’s Awami League won the election in East Pakistan Thus he got the opportunity to work for the separation of East Pakistan Yahya Khan could not solve it politically and took military action The Government of India took advantage of the situation and attacked East Pakistan as a result of foreign intervention East Pakistan became a new independent Muslim State. Known as Bangladesh
In the western part of Pakistan the Pakistan People’s Party won the polls with a large majority Late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the leader of this party The administration of the country was given in hands on December 20, 1971 In March 1977 Late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto held general elections in Pakistan But on account of malpractices in the elections. There was a mass movement and agitation against his government General Muhammad Ziaul Haq. the Chief of Army Staff took over the administration He proclaimed Martial Law in the whole country. On 5th July 1977 He ruled for 11 years and died in an air crash Ghulam Islaq Khan became the President of country and Mrs Benazir Bhutto became Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988 and remained in her seat for nearly 20 months She was succeeded by Mr Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister for 2 ½ years There was again a change and Mr Farooq Khan Laghari became the President of Pakistan and Mrs Benazir Bhutto became the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the second time winning a Mid-term General Election held in October 1993
1.Minerals of Pakistan
All materials that are found under the surface of the earth are known as minerals. Three regions of our country are very famous for minerals These are.
(i) Salt Range and Potohar
(ii) Chitral northern hills and Waziristan
(iii) Baluchistan
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, chromite, salt, gypsum, sulphur, limestone, iron ore, marble, silica sand, emerald, mica, lead and collyrium (surma) are found in different parts of Pakistan.
2. Iran
Iran is situated in the west of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Russia lies in its north while Iraq and Turkey are in the west. The Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman are situated in the south of Iran. The total area of Iran is 16,48,000 sq. kilometers. Iran was added to the Muslim Empire in the times of Hazrat Umer (May God be pleased with him). Ever since that date it is being ruled by the Muslims. Iran is our neighbor. We have brotherly relations with it. Iran is very rich in oil. It is also member of R.C.D Tehran is the Capital of Iran and is a charming hill station. Unfortunately for ten years Iran was at war with Iraq. However by the efforts of UNO and Muslim States the war come to an end
3. Afghanistan
Afghanistan lies in the north-west of Pakistan Russia lies in its north Iran lies in the north-west of Afghanistan China is in its north-east. A great part of Afghanistan is a hilly tract. These hills are of different sizes. The Hindi Kush Ranges spread from the high plateau of Pamir upto Iran in the north. Helmand and Kabul are the most important rivers in Afghanistan. River Kabul flows in the north of the Khyber Pass It joins the Indus near Attock in Pakistan
Various tribes of Pathans and tribes of Hazara live in Afghanistan Languages spoken by Afghans are Persian and Pushto Afghanistan was ruled by King Zahir Shah Sardar Muhammed Daud brought about the revolution in 1973 and abolished kingship Kabul is the Capital of Afghani stan Afghanistan is well known for fruit and fur Afgshanistan was occupied by Russia Then Mujahedeen fought to oust the Russian forces from Afghanistan for 8 years. At last Russia withdrew its forces from Afghanistan and now it has again become an independent Muslim state.
4. Iraq
Iraq is the oldest cradle of human civilization. Tigris and Euphrates (Dajlaa and Farat) are its famous rivers. Iraq was conquered by the Muslims during the khilafat of Hazrat Umer (May God be pleased with him) the capital of Iraq was Kufa but today Baghdad serves the same purpose. During the rule of the Abbasid dynasty Iraq was a country of great importance. It won independence from the British and was ruled by the Hashmi Kings. It became a Republic in 1958 after a bloody revolution in which the royal family and the king were murdered.
Truly speaking Iraq is an oil-rich state. There are many worth seeing places of religious importance in Iraq. The tombs of Hazrat Ali (May God be pleased with him) and Hazrat Imam Husain (May God be pleased with him) are in Najaf and Karbala respectively. People speak Arabic. Iraq was at war with Iran for 10 years. At last by the best efforts of UN and non aligned nations and the Muslim countries peace was established between these two Muslim countries. Iraq again picked up a quarrel with Kuwait and occupied it. Then United Nation took action agaibst it and got Kuwait free from Iraq’s occupation after a military action called Desert Storm.
5. Turkey
Turkey lies in the extreme west of Asia. Some part of Turkey is in Europe. Asia and Europe meet together in Turkey. In the north of Turkey is the Black Sea while the Mediterranean Sea is in its south and west. In the east of Turkey are Iran and Iraq. Majority of the people live in the Asian part of Turkey whereas 10 0/0 of the Turks live in the European part.
Turkey had been the Ottoman Empire in 9th century. It extended over a large area. The Sultan of Turkey held the office of the Khailfa. The Ottoman Empire was divided into small States. The office of the Sultan and the Khalifa were abolished. Turkey became a Republic at the end of the First World War. Mustafa Kamal Pasha was the founder of modern Turkey. Ankara is the Capital of Turkish is the official language. Today Turkey is highly advanced in the field of different industries. Pakistan has very close trade and economic relations with Turkey. Pakistan, Iran and Turkey are members of R.C.D.
6. Syria
Syria is situated in the Middle East. Damascus is the Capital of Syria. Turkey is in the north of Syria while Jordan and Saudi Arabia are in its south. The western side is bounded by Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea. Iraq and Iran are in the east of Syria. The Syrians speak Arabic.
7. Jordan
Jordan lies in the valley of the famous river Jordan. The Kingdom of East Jordan was established after the First World War. For a long time Jordan was established after the First World War. For a long time Jordan remained under foreign control. After the Second World War it achieved independence. There is the rule of Hashmite rulers. It is famous for vegetables and fruites. Arabic is the official language. The Capital of Jordan is Amman. Israel has forcibly occupied some of the territory of Jordan specially the holy city of Jerusalem (Bait-ul-Muqqadus).
8. Saudi Arabia
In the Islamic world the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is of great importance. It is the birth place of Islam. The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was born here at Mecca, Lacs of Muslims visit Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj every year. Saudi Arabia is one of the richest oil-producing countries in the world. There is Red Sea on its western coast. In the north there lie Jordan and Iraq. The Persian Gulf is in its east. In its south is the Republic of Yemen. On the south eastern tip there lies the Sultanate of Oman. Mecca, Medina and Jeddah are its important towns. Its Capital is Riyadh. The Government of Saudi Arabia is a great supporter of Muslim Unity and Co-operation.
9. United Arab Emirates
There are many small independent Arab States in the eastern and southern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
(i) The State of Oman lie in the east of Saudi Arabia. Its Capital is Muscat.
(ii) In the Persian Gulf an oil-rich Arab State is Bahrain, Manamah is the Capital of Bahrain. Its official language is Arabic.
(iii) Qatar is another Arab State in the Persian Gulf. The Capital of Qatar is Doha. In its north is Bahrain Saudi Arabia lies in its south.
(iv) Kuwait is oil-rich Arab State in the north-west of the Persian Gulf. It has common border with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It is the richest Arab State in the world. Dinar is its currency. For some time in 1992 it was occupied by Iraq but by a military action called Desert Storm United Nation again got it free from the occupation of Iraq.
(v) The Capital of the Federation of United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi The Republics of Yemen and Southern Yemen are in the south-west of Arabian Peninsula. Sanaa and Aden are the Capitals of these countries. Dinar is the currency. Both of them are independent Arab States.
10. Egypt
In the north-east of the Continent of Africa. Egypt is an important Arab State Egypt is famous for its old and golden civilization. It was annexed to the Muslim Empire during the time of Hazrat Umar (May God be pleased with him). Egypt made a lot of progress during the reign of Fatimide dynasty In Egypt Kingship was restored in 1922. In the year 1952 the King of Egypt (Farooq) was exiled. Republic was introduced. Then Colonel Nasser became the President Nasser defeated the for foreign armies. He controlled the Suez Canal and nationalized it During the 1967 war the Israeli army captured some Egyptian territory which was later on liberated. The Capital of Egypt is Cairo. Egypt is famous for its historic Al-Azhar University. Egypt is known as the gift of the Nile. People speak Arabic.
11. Libya
In the north of Africa Libya is another big country. In the east it has common borders with Egypt and common borders with Egypt and Sudan. Its northern coast is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. There are the Arab States of Algeria and Tunisia in the west of Libya. Niger is touched by the southern borders of Libya.
In the year 1951 Libya became an independent Muslim State. There is a desert in a vast area of Libya. Oil has been discovered here in a large quantity. It is developing rapidly on account of its wealth of oil. Its Capital is Tripoli. It is a good friend of Pakistan. Its official language is Arabic. Dinar is its currency.
12. Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco
These independent Arab States lie in North Africa towards west of Libya. These are washed by Mediterranean Sea in the north.
13. Algeria
It is very big in area The Great famous desert lie in its south. Its northern coast is touched by the Mediterranean Sea. In the west it has common borders with Morocco. Dinar is its currency.
14. Morocco
In the extreme west of North Africa is Morocco. Algeria is in the east of Morocco its northern coast is washed by the Mediterranean Sea whereas the western coast is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The southern side of Morocco is part of Sahara It is ruled by a king. Rabat is the Capital and is a famous seaport Arabic and French are spoken by the people.
The Independent Muslim States of South-East Asia Salient Features
1. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is bounded by Bharat on its three sides. Its southern coast is washed by the Bay of Bengal Formerly it was a part of Pakistan and was called East Pakistan In 1971 unlawful intervention of the army of Bharat separated it from our dear country Bangladesh is a very thickly populated country Dhaka is its Capital Bengali is spoken by people. Taka is its currency Banladesh is famous for jute, tea and coconuts.
2. Malaysia
Malaysia lies in the south-east of Bangladesh. It is a peninsula. Its extreme southern border is very close to Singapore. A bridge links the two States. The northern part of Borneo island is a part of Malaysia. It is ruled by a King. Kuala Lumpur is its Capital. Malavi is spoken by the people.
3. Indonesia
In the south-east of Malaysia is Indonesia. There are thousands of big and small islands. Sumatra and Java are big islands. It was ruled by the Dutch for many centuries. Indonesia became a Republic in 1949. Dr. Soekarno worked hard to achieve indepence. He was the first President of Indonesia. Dakarta is its Capital.
States Having Sizable Muslim Population
Muslims are spread throughout the world. Most of them live in Muslim independent States. Muslims also live in great number in those countries which are ruled by non-Muslims.
1. Bharat
In South Asia the Muslims are living for the last seven hundred years Many Muslims left their homes in Bharat after the establishment of Pakistan. Some Muslims did not come to Pakistan and stayed on in Bharat. There are nearly sixteen crores Muslims in Bharat at present.
2. China
Islam Spread in China in the eighth century. There are more than 75 Lac Muslims in Sinkiang. They are more than 75 lac Muslims in Sinkiang. They are 82 percent in that province. The Muslims also live in other parts of China. There are more than eight crores Muslims in China.
3. Sri Lanka
In the south of Bharat, Sri Lanka is an independent State. This big island is famous for it. Coconuts and tea. There are more than 12 lac Muslims in Sri Lanka. Its Capital is Colombo.
4. Burma
Burma is situated in the East of Bangladesh. It is an important country of the south-east Asia. Its Capital is Rangoon. There are more than 28 lac Muslims in Burma.
5. Thailand
Thailand is also an important country. It is situated in the East of Bangladesh. Its Capital is Bangkok. Thousand of tourists visit it. The number of Muslims in Thailand are more than 55 lacs. There is a vast Muslim majority in the Southern district of Thailand.
6. Philipines
There are thousand of islands in this country. It lies in the Pacific Ocean. Some of its islands are near Indonesia. There is Muslim majority in some of its islands. There are than 45 lac of Muslims. Its Capital is Manila.
7. The State of Jammu and Kahsmir
Before the establishment of Pakistan, the population of Muslims was 85 0/0 This State should have joined Pakistan according to the Indian Independence Act of 1947. Bharat, with the help of the Hindu Raja of Kashmir unlawfully occupied it. Some part of Kahsmir was later on liberated. That liberated part is called Azad Kashmir Srinagar and Jammu are still under the occupation of Bharat. This occupation is illegal. The United Nations Organisation has pledged right of self-determination to the people of Kahsmir. Bharat is coming in the way and always denying the right of self-determination to Kashmiris. The population of the occupied Kashmir is more than 35 lacs. The Government of Bharat is aware of the fact that over 75 percent of the population of Kashmir is Muslim. The Kashmir will definitely join Pakistan, Insha Allah in near future. The Kashmiri freedom fighters have raised arms against Bharat and upto the end of 1993 many thousand Muslim freedom fighters embraced martyrdom.
8. Cyprus
Cyprus is a big island near Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea The Muslims ruled this island at one time. The population of Muslims (of Turkish Origin) is more than 2,30,000 The rest of people living there belong to Christians of Greek Origin created plenty of difficulties and problems for the people of Turkish Origin Once Turkish Government had to take armed action for the sake of Turkish people living in Cyprus.
9. Eritrea
Eritrea lies in Eastern Africa. It is adjacent to Ethiopia The majority of the people living over there is Muslims. There are more than 22.50.000 has been put under the occupation of Ethiopia by the United Nations. The Muslims of Eritrea are struggling for their their independence against Ethiopia. They are being crushed and suppressed by Ethiopian Government.
The total population of Muslims in the world is more than 100 cores. They belong to various races. Speak different languages. Wear different dresses and follow different ways of life They are fully conscious of the need for strong unity and co-operation They are aware of the fact that united we stand, divided we fall They believe in Islamic brotherhood. Various Islamic Summits of the Muslim Heads of States and Foreign Ministers which are held in Muslim countries clearly indicate about their brilliant and promising future by the Grace of Allah.
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