Neelum Valley - Gem of Pakistan

The valley is characterized by beautiful grass covered hills with sparse trees. The sceneries in this area are exhilarating but the scenic beauty of the Neelum valley is paralleled by no other place in the world. It is a valley of fountains, springs, waterfalls, flowering trees and plants. Geographically too, it is a hospitable valley. The swaying lush green forests, snow capped mountains, streams singing songs of joy and fast flowing river Neelum, all go together to make it naturalist’s wonderland.  This area is also ideal for mountain tourism.

Description:

Neelum Valley lies on both sides of the river Neelum. The geographical features enhance the natural beauty of the Valley. Its elevation, a mere 2,000 feet at the start, gradually rises till it attains a respectable height of 8,000 feet. On both sides there are high mountains and peaks. Nearly all the forest wealth of Azad Kashmir is to be found in this part of the State.

Neelum Valley is formed by the Neelum river that flows in Azad Kashmir. Running through the Lesser Himalaya, the 200km Neelam River is Azad Kashmir’s main attraction. The Neelam river and a side valley, the Jagran Nala, are stocked with trout. Trails cross several 4000m passes into the Kaghan Valley.

Accessibility :

The valley is connected from Muzaffarabad by Neelam road, which leads up to Kel. The road condition from Muzaffarabad to Athmuqam is very good and suitable for any kind of transport. From Keran to Kel road condition is not well and not suitable for low floor vehicles. In winters road onward Keran block due to heavy snowfall and it is very difficult to reach upper parts of the valley.

Vans serve is only Muzaffarabad to Athmuqam after every 30 minutes. Buses run daily between Muzaffarabad and Kel in good weather. Jeeps and horses are available to reach remote areas of the valley.

Must Visit Places:

Jura: The most popular and most populated area in district neelum is jura, which is famous for its Bazar and its beautiful places and highest mountains. There are many colleges, private and government schools, hospitals and other facilities. In the village the Awan Family is mostly available.

Dudhnial It is a very famous and beautiful town of Neelum Valley. There is a government college, Girls high school and Hospital and other government offices. There are many shops and restaurants. Private rest houses facility is also available there.

Sharda: The most beautiful village of the valley located 19 kilometers (12 mi) ahead from Sharda at the altitude of 6,879 feet (2,097 m). Few private hotels and a rest house of AJK Tourism Department located there for tourists stay. It also has bank, college, hospital and market.

Tehjian: Tehjian is most beautiful Village of Neelum Valley. Total Population of Tehjian is nearly 5000, There is 40 years old Middle School, but for highly populated village there is no Post Office or Basic Health Unit. Few private hotels and a tourist hostel of AJK Tourism Department located there for tourists stay.

2016 - ICC World Twenty20

Having being hammered in the recent Asia Cup , the chances of Pakistan team to perform well in the tournament are bleak. Since its the T20 format, surprise can be expected.

Lets us review each team's chances in this world T20

1.      India:

• India in India can be the toughest opponent for any team. They know the conditions better than anyone and they have one of the noisiest crowd behind them.
• They have proved themselves in the Asia Cup, how consistent they are. and are currently at no. at ICC T20 ranking. 
• As always India’s batting is their strength. When it comes to Indian conditions they are even better. Kohli is probably one of the best T20 batsman in the world with highest average (44) among the players who have played 20 or more matches.
• Everyone knows how dangerous Rohit Sharma can be in the shorter formats. If he starts to fire, then consider the game is definitely India’s to lose. Suresh Raina is a very destructive batsman in T20 who can chip in with those crucial overs in bowling.
• In Dhoni they have a finisher and Jadeja’s all-round abilities will be a lot of help.
• Their spin department looks strong with Ashwin, Jadeja and Mishra but fast bowling is a big worry. Especially in the death overs. Shami’s fitness is still a problem, Bhuvi has stopped swinging the ball and Ishant – I don’t know. Their chances depend on how they bowl in death overs.

2.       Pakistan:

• Pakistan. I love watching them play cricket. There is some kind of raw element in them that makes their cricket exciting.
• Very unpredictable yet very strong. Their bowling has never been a worry, they have a bottomless pool of good fast bowlers.
• Shahid Afridi has been really good with the ball for Pakistan in T20s. His variations bring him a lot of wickets.
• There batting is strong in terms of talent. Ahmed Shehzad can be really good at times, same with Umar Akmal. But it depends a lot on how they perform together.
• Shoab Malik’s form is a positive sign for them and generally Hafeez is consistent in Asian conditions. Lot depends on these two.
• With a strong bowling attack they can make difference in the tournament.

3.       Australia:

• The current world champions in ODI cricket. The only team in top 3 in all the three formats.
• They have got the batting in David Warner, Steve Smith, Maxwell and Finch. These guys have experience in IPL, are destructive and consistent. A deadly combination. They have a finisher and a good all-rounder in Faulkner.
• Mithcell Starc is at top of his game. His injury is very unfortunate for Australia but he should be fit before the world cup starts. Their bowling is in good hands. Watson can chip in with some overs and his experience helps a lot for the team. Faulkner is decent. Cummins is fast.
• They only worry they have is the lack of a quality spinner. Maxwell is a decent spinner. Lyon hasn’t bowled much in colors for Australia. Not sure how are they going to go about it.

4.       England:

• England off late have changed the way of approach to the game. They have become more aggressive, and are adapting better to the shorter format. They were always good in whites but from the past year they are doing really good in shorter formats too.
• The ODI and T20 series win in Abu Dhabi against Pakistan might have given them a huge morale boost. Their batting looks strong with Alex Hales on top, Joe Root, Eon Morgan and the dangerous Jos Butler in the middle order.
• Their bowling is decent but again lack of a quality spinner will hurt them.
• Their chances will depend on the ability to play spin bowling in Indian conditions, it’s difficult but they have a chance

5.       South Africa:

• Undoubtedly they have one of the best batting lineups in the tournament. I don’t want to mention about ABD here, he is just unbelievable.
• Amla, Faf, Miller, De Cock and Duminy. Even without ABD’s name over there it still looks very very strong.
• Steyn and Morkel have not played much T20 cricket in the recent times but I think they will play the world cup. Kyle Abbott is consistent, Duminy can chip in. Imran Tahir is very effective in ODIs and T20s. Steyn and Tahir will be key for their chances.
• But, you know they are South Africa. Always starts as favorites and then fail to cross the line. Hopefully if they can do it this time it would be wonderful.

6.       West Indies :

• This team will be very hard to beat in T20 because of their explosive, hard hitting players .
• They have Chris Gayle who needs no introduction on how destructive he can be. The fact that the tournament is being played in India will give lot of confidence for the West Indies players as they are so used to these conditions playing in IPL. 
• Their biggest problem though is playing together and consistent. They have got the talent to beat any team on a given day but can they do it on regular basis? If they can, it would be very difficult to stop them.

7.       New Zealand:

• New Zealand have the bowling, batting and fielding. They do play very good in ICC tournaments
• Their batting is strong with McCullum, Williamson, Taylor, and Anderson.
• Their fast bowling is in good hands with Southee and Boult but spin is a worry.
• They didn’t find a good spinner after Vettori reduced playing international cricket. Their chances again depends on the ability to play spin in Indian Conditions.

8.       Srilanka:

• With Sangrakarra and Jayawardene retired there will be lot of pressure on Mathews to be consistent in the middle order. Thisara Perera can be an attacking all-rounder and Chandimal is talented, but still the middle order looks weak.

My pick for the 4 Finalist will be:

• Australia
• India

6th September - Pakistan Defense Day

The 6th September is a memorable day in the history of Pakistan as its military and people stood  united in defense of the motherland. It is celebrated in the memory of martyred people who gave sacrifices of their life for the defense of the country. Pak – India War  was fought in 1965.To remember that day when unity was touching sky and Pakistan battled enemy thrice its size , this day takes a superlative place in history of Pakistan.This war affected financially both countries but none of them could dominate. As Pakistan remained saved, Defense Day is celebrated on 6th September.
 
We as Pakistani celebrate this day to remind us and our young blood  how people were brave at the critical time and were proud of offering sacrifices of their lives for the defense of Pakistan. Everyone must be wise and brave like martyred people at any critical time. No one should feel any kind of hesitation for offering sacrifice of his life at the time of need.

Army officers like Captain Sarwar, Major Tufail, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, Major Shabbir Sharif, Major Muhammad Akram, Sawar Muhammad Hussain, Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz,and Havaldar Lalak Jan gave sacrifices of their life for Pakistan and were awarded with "Nishan-e-Haider" for their acts of exceptional bravery. Nishan-e-Haider is a special batch which is given to brave martyred people in Pakistan who leave remarkable examples of bravery and sacrifices for nation.

An environment of patriot passion is generated in the whole county on Defense Day.The 6th of September should also be a day of thanksgiving. We should all pray for the safety and solidarity of Pakistan .

"Bin Roye" - Pakistani romantic drama film

Bin Roye (English: Without Crying) is a 2015 Pakistani romantic drama film was released worldwide on July 18, 2015, the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The film is based on the original novel Bin Roye Aansoo by Farhat Ishtiaq.The film is produced by Momina Duraid and is starring Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Armeena Khan, Zeba Bakhtiar,Javed Sheikh and others.

Bin Roye is a saga of obsession in love.It is a story that can be best described as a tragic beauty.The movie was highly praised by the critics.


The film’s hype was such that not only were all Eid shows pre-booked on home soil but were also in great demand in the UAE, the UK and the US.

The movie has given Pakistan film industry a new life.With its engaging script, soulful melodies, unforgettable display of acting and star-studded cast including the likes of Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Armeena Rana Khan, Javed Sheikh, Zeba Bakhtiar , the movie has done remarkable business so far and still going on.


Bin Roye's soundtrack received positive reviews from critics and the public alike. The song "Balle Balle" was on the top of the charts.

Being a family, romantic drama movie it is highly recommended!

Manthoka Waterfalls - One of World Highest WaterFall in Pakistan

Manthoka Waterfalls is located in the village of Manthokha Kharmang in Skardu.The territory  is a part of Gilgit-Baltistan present in northern areas of Pakistan.


Manthoka Waterfalls is very beautiful and a high waterfall. It has a height of about 180 feet. The waterfall is eye-catching and famous for attractive and spectacular landscape. The place is awesome and ideal for camping and fishing.

How to reach Manthoka Waterfalls?

Recently, PIA has resumed its flight from Islamabad to Skardu.Its purpose is to offer tourist a chance to explore the northern areas of Pakistan with much greater ease. It's a probably 50 minutes flight, which is worth the price you pay. During the flight , if you are sitting at near the window seat you might get to the the most beautiful mountain ranges from Nanga Parbat , Raka Poshi and also also a distant view of the K2, the queen of all mountains.Skardu City is 10 miles from Skardu Airport and when you reached Skardu Bazar you will see Direction to Manthokha.

One can also reach Skardu via road.By using Karakoram Highway you can safely reach Skardu and then travel to Manthikha. 

Manthokha Valley is 50km from city of skardu. is located near the confluence of Indus rivers, and is watered by the stream flowing down the Manthokha Nala.Manthoka can be used as Base camp.

Fishing for Mahaseer and trout are two exciting activities in Manthokha, there are wonderful place for trout fishing. 

The place also offers a big opportunity for hiking. The mountaineers can set up their base camp at Manthoka and climb several peaks of 2000m and tons of unclimbed granite.

 

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka - A dominant series win !

 4th ODI: Pakistan won five-match series with seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka

Pakistan qualifies for Champions Trophy 2017 after beating Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the fourth ODI in Premadasa stadium, Colombo to take decisive 3-1 lead in the five match series. 

Pakistani cricketers were criticized for their poor performance for past few months but this kind of performance was just need to wave off the allegations.

Sri Lanka opted to bat first after winning the toss for the first time in the ongoing tour and were restricted to 256-9 even after a 90-run knock from Lahiru Thirimanne. 

In their reply, Pakistan never looked in trouble and went on to chase the target with 55 balls remaining. 

Ahmed Shehzad was awarded the man of the match for his superb innings, scoring 95 off 90 balls courtesy 12 boundaries and a six to bolster Pakistan’s chances.Muhammad Hafeez also contributed by  playing a useful 70-run knock off 88 balls.

In the end it was then Shoaib Malik who steal the show by hitting 4 sixes and  played the winning shot!

The famous Khaplu Palace - Architectural heritage of Pakistan

Khaplu Palace was built in 1840 by the Yabgo Raja Daulat Ali Khan of Khaplu after the Dogra of Kashmir who captured the region decided to move the seat of government from the old fort. The site of the palace was chosen by rolling a large stone down from a nearby cliff; it stopped at the Doqsai village, and the palace was built there.

Khaplu palace , locally known as Yabgo Khar means "the fort on the roof". The palace is an old fort located in Khaplu in the Baltistan region of northern Pakistan.It was built in the mid-19th century.The palace has served as a royal residence for the Raja of Khaplu.Being an architectural heritage, it is also a great place for tourist to visit.It is the second fort in Baltistan to be renovated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Palace comprises of a Fascinating Structure.The palace building consists of four floors built with timber, mud bricks, clay, and soil mortar and wooden ceiling of the palace is crafted with Karakoram mountain range and the lawns around the palace.Other notable rooms of the palace include the Royal meeting room, Royal balcony , Princess dressing room , and Queen room which exhibits the structure of the palace has Tibetan, Kashmiri, Ladakhi, Balti, and Central Asian influences.
designs using chisel and paint, without the use of nail.A hall at the top floor that was used as a leisure room overlooks the


A section of residential area is being used as hotel by Serena Hotel following the renovation of the palace.





The famous drama serial Dayar-e-Dil was shot at Khaplu fort.