Lahore: The Heart of Pakistan

• Helloالسلام علیکم
  [Assalamu Alaikum]
• Goodbyeخدا حافظ
  [Khuda Hafiz]
• Yesہاں
  [Haan]
• Noنہیں
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم
  [Barah-e-karam]
• Thank youشکریہ
  [Shukriya]
• Excuse me/Sorryمعاف کریں
  [Maaf karein]
• How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں۔ آپ؟
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگلش بولتے ہیں؟
  [Kya aap English bolte hain?]
• I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آیا
  [Mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینیو دیکھنا چاہتا ہوں
  [Barah-e-karam menu dekhna chahta hoon]
• I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا
  [Main gosht nahi khaata]
• Cheers!صحت
  [Sehat]
• I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم ادا کرنا چاہتا ہوں
  [Barah-e-karam ada karna chahta hoon]

• Help!مدد!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!چلے جاؤ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!پولیس کو بلاؤ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلاؤ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostمیں گم ہوگیا ہوں
  [Main gum hogaya hoon]
• I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں
  [Main beemar hoon]

• I'd like to buy...میں خریدنا چاہتا ہوں...
  [Main khareedna chahta hoon...]
• I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں
  [Main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?یہ کتنا ہے؟
  [Yeh kitna hai?]
• That's too expensiveیہ بہت مہنگا ہے
  [Yeh bohat mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?کیا آپ قیمت کم کر سکتے ہیں؟
  [Kya aap qeemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?وقت کیا ہوا ہے؟
  [Waqt kya hua hai?]
• It's one o'clockایک بجے ہیں
  [Ek bajay hain]
• Half past (10)(۱۰) کے بعد نصف
  [(10) ke baad nisf]
• Morningصبح
  [Subah]
• Afternoonدوپہر
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningشام
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayگزشتہ دن
  [Guzishta din]
• Todayآج
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowکل
  [Kal]
• 1ایک
  [Ek]
• 2دو
  [Do]
• 3تین
  [Teen]
• 4چار
  [Char]
• 5پانچ
  [Paanch]
• 6چھے
  [Chhe]
• 7سات
  [Saat]
• 8آٹھ
  [Aath]
• 9نو
  [Nau]
• 10دس
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?کہاں ہے...
  [Kahan hai...]
• What's the address?پتہ کیا ہے؟
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?کیا آپ مجھے دکھا سکتے ہیں (نقشے پر)؟
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naqshay par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?اگلی (بس) کب ہے؟
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (سے .... تک)
  [Ek ticket (se .... tak)]

Lahore's origins trace back over a millennium, with its earliest mentions found in the ancient Hindu text, the 'Rāmāyaṇa.' The city is believed to have been founded by Loh, the son of the Hindu deity Rama. Archaeological evidence suggests that Lahore was a significant settlement during the ancient and medieval periods, with its strategic location along trade routes facilitating its growth.

In the late 10th century, Lahore came under the rule of the Ghaznavid Empire, led by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. The city became a major center of Islamic culture and learning. The Ghaznavids established Lahore as a vital administrative and cultural hub, laying the groundwork for its future prominence.

Lahore's significance grew during the Delhi Sultanate era, starting in the 13th century. However, it was under the Mughal Empire that Lahore truly flourished. Emperor Akbar made Lahore his capital in the late 16th century, leading to the construction of iconic structures such as the Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens. The city became a melting pot of Persian, Indian, and Central Asian cultures, fostering an era of architectural and cultural renaissance.

In the early 19th century, Lahore was captured by the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who made it the capital of the Sikh Empire. Under his reign, Lahore witnessed a period of relative stability and prosperity. The city's architecture saw a blend of Mughal and Sikh styles, with landmarks like the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh reflecting this unique fusion.

The British East India Company took control of Lahore in 1849, following the Second Anglo-Sikh War. The British colonial period brought significant changes to the city's infrastructure and urban planning. Lahore became a crucial administrative center, with the establishment of institutions such as Government College University and the Lahore High Court. The city also saw the construction of colonial-era buildings like the Lahore Museum and the General Post Office.

Lahore played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement. The All India Muslim League held its annual session in Lahore in 1940, where the historic Lahore Resolution was passed, demanding the creation of an independent Muslim state. This event marked a significant turning point in the struggle for Pakistan's independence.

Following the partition of British India in 1947, Lahore became part of the newly formed nation of Pakistan. The city faced immense challenges during the partition, with large-scale migration and communal violence. Despite these hardships, Lahore emerged as a cultural and economic powerhouse in Pakistan. The city continues to be a vibrant center of arts, education, and commerce, reflecting its rich and diverse historical legacy.

Lahore is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) serves as the primary airport for the city and offers both domestic and international flights. Major airlines such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines operate flights to and from Lahore. The city is also accessible by train from other major cities in Pakistan, with services provided by Pakistan Railways. Buses and private cars are other viable options, with a network of highways connecting Lahore to other parts of the country.

Lahore offers a variety of transportation options. Rickshaws and taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to travel short distances. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also popular and reliable. For public transportation, the Metrobus system provides a fast and economical way to travel along its dedicated routes. Additionally, the Orange Line Metro Train is another efficient option for getting around the city. Renting a car is another possibility, but driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic.

The official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and markets. ATMs are plentiful, and most accept international cards, but be sure to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues.

Lahore is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to exercise standard precautions. Avoid visiting isolated areas after dark and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas like Sabzazar, Sanda, and some parts of Ravi Town have been known for higher crime rates targeting tourists. Always use reputable transportation services and avoid displaying expensive items openly.

In case of emergencies, dial 15 for police assistance, 1122 for medical emergencies, and 16 for fire services. Lahore has several well-equipped hospitals, including Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre and Mayo Hospital. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health concerns. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Salam' or 'Assalamu Alaikum'. A handshake is also common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Lahore like a local, visit the bustling Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market for shopping. Enjoy a meal at a traditional 'dhabba' (roadside eatery) and try popular foods like 'nihari', 'payas', and 'halwa puri'. Spend an evening at the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque to appreciate Mughal architecture. Don’t miss the Wagah Border ceremony, a daily military practice that is a spectacle of patriotic fervor. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's rich history and culture.