History some thing about Pakistan

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pakistan


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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Official Name :[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islamic Republic of Pakistan
[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]conventional short form:[/FONT]Pakistan

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In reality, and verified by numerous sources, Pakistan is a composition of two words "PAK" and "ISTAN". PAK is a word of Persian and Urdu and it means "Holy/Pure/Clean" and "ISTAN" stands for "HOMELAND". Then the true meanings come to "Homeland of Holy People". [/FONT]

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Father of the Nation : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah[/FONT]
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Independence Day : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]14 August (1947)[/FONT]
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Republic Day : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]23 March (1940)[/FONT]
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Head of State : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gerneral Pervez Musharaf[/FONT]
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Prime Minister[/FONT]
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Head of Government :
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mir . Shoukat Aziz [/FONT]
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Capital : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islamabad[/FONT]
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Area : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Total: 803,940 sq km
Land: 778,720 sq km
Water: 25,220 sq km
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Land boundaries :[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Total: 6,774 km
Border Countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Population :[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]135,135,195 (July 1998 est.) [/FONT]
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National Language : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Urdu[/FONT]
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Official Lanaguage : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]English[/FONT]
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National Flower : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jasmine[/FONT]
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National Game : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hockey[/FONT]
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National Bird : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chakor Partridge[/FONT]
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National Currency : [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pak Rupee; Rs. 1 = 100 Passa[/FONT]
 

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]History of Pakistan[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
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Pakistan is both a new country and a very old one. It did not exist as a nation until 1947. Yet within Pakistan are areas whose history dates back 500,000 years to the days when man first learned to make crude implements of stone. It is a land studded with the remains ancient cultures and the monument of past civilization. Perhaps the most famous of these 2500 and 1500 B.C., and whose remains were found at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. A visitor interested in ancient cultures can see unfolding before his eyes a panorama of history that will take him from the Stone and Bronze ages through the Indus Valley, Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim periods of Pakistan’s past. He will also see the growth of modern Pakistan during the period of its recent emergence as an independent nation. Pakistan’s Present culture bears the imprint of all its past civilizations.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] With all this, the visitor will see streets crowded with automobiles; men and women rushing to their work in factories and offices; universities, colleges, schools full of students learning modern techniques of industry and scientific research; homes with modern conveniences in the cities and even in many smaller towns; and factories busy producing goods both for export and use at home. For Pakistan today is a society in rapid transition, maintaining many of its traditional features while adapting itself to the needs of modern industry and technology. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] When Pakistan began life as a nation in 1947, it was composed of two distinct regions----West Pakistan and East Pakistan-----situated almost 1,000 miles (1, 600 kilometers) apart. In 1971 the former East Pakistan broke away from Pakistan and declared itself the independent nation of Bangladesh[/FONT]
 

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Flag Of Pakistan




The National Flag of Pakistan is dark green in colour with a white bar, a white crescent in the centre and a five-pointed star. The significance of the colour and symbols used in the Pakistan Flag is as follows:

The white and dark green field represents Minorities & Muslim majority, respectively.
The crescent on the Flag represents progress.
The five rayed star represents light and knowledge

 

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Pakistani Culture

Pakistani families are very close, often consisting of grandparents, parents and children living together in the same house. The smaller family is becoming more of a reality in the urban centres. The elderly often live with their children and are treated with great respect. Children tend to accompany their parents to most social events. Important events in the family's life are celebrated with relatives and friends. Pakistani families are usually large because children are considered to be gifts from God or Allah. Teaching children the beliefs of Islam is considered to be one of the most important responsibilities of family life.

Most Pakistani marriages are arranged. When a couple is married, the bride applies mehndi or henna paste to her hands and feet and the quazi, the religious leader, administers the nikah or marriage contract. Strong traditions and values influence women's status in the family and in the community. These affect opportunities for education and for work, especially for less privileged women.

When a male baby is born, circumcision is performed in accordance with religious rites. When he is seven days old, the family holds an aqeeqa ceremony, which is a family feast. Both men and women wear the shalwar-kameez, the national dress. This consists of loose pants gathered at the waist and worn with a long shirt. The women's clothing is more colourful, and is worn with a long scarf or dupatta. Some wear a chaddar, which is a shawl or long garment. In the urban areas men are more likely to wear western-style clothes.

Wealthy families and middle-class families live in bungalows or large apartment buildings. Many employ servants to perform various household duties. In the cities' poorer areas, families live in two or three room dwellings. In rural Pakistan, cooking is still done on small kerosene stoves, clothes are washed on the banks of rivers and water is transported from rivers and wells.

More than 97% of Pakistan's population is Muslim. The remaining 3% is made up of Hindus, Buddhists, Zoroastrians and Christians. Islam is the official religion of Pakistan. A Federal Shariat Court has been set up to review the country's laws in the light of the Islamic penal code. Muslims are guided by the Quran, or Koran, the holy book, which they believe was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

Islam, Christianity and Judaism share many common beliefs and traditions. The giving of alms and compassion for the poor are stressed in these religions. Muslims are obliged to give 2.5% of their wealth to the needy. All three religions also stress the transitory nature of life on earth as a preparation for the hereafter.

Devout Muslims must heed the call of prayer five times every day. They pray facing the city of Mecca in Saudia Arabia. Most Muslims will arrange their schedules according to the prayer times. The prayer is preceded by the required ablution, which means washing the face, hands and feet. Friday is the Muslim holy day and most Pakistanis participate in congregational prayers in the mosque.

The Five Pillars of Islam Tawheed: Belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Mohammed Salaat: Five daily prayers Zakaat: The giving of alms to the needy Sawim: Fasting during the month of Ramadan Haj: Pilgrimage to Mecca

Once a year, there is Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. No food or drink is permitted from dawn to dusk. The end of this month is celebrated with special meals and festivities for Eid-al-Fitr. Muslims are also required to perform the Hajj, a holy pilgrimage to Mecca, once in their lifetime if they are financially able to do so. The last day of the pilgrimage commemorates the second major festival of Islamic belief,Eid-al-Adha.



 

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Islamabad (Capital of Pakistan)

Pakistan's new capital nestles against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills, the foothills of the Himalaya at the northern end of the Potwar Plateau about 15 kilometres (ten miles) from Rawalpindi. Technically it is not part of Punjab, but forms its own Capital Authority. Modern, spacious and carefully planned, Islamabad is a city of wide, tree-lined streets, large houses, elegant public buildings and wellorganised bazaars.
Traffic jams and crowds seldom occur, and narrow lanes and slums are few and far between. Sidewalks are shaded and safe behind rows of flame trees, jacaranda and hibiscus. Roses, jasmine and bougainvillea fill the many parks. and scenic vantage-points show the city to its best advantage.Islamabad Pakistan's new capital nestles against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills, the foothills of the Himalaya at the northern end of the Potwar Plateau about 15 kilometres (ten miles) from Rawalpindi. Technically it is not part of Punjab, but forms its own Capital Authority. Modern, spacious and carefully planned, Islamabad is a city of wide, tree-lined streets, large houses, elegant public buildings and wellorganised bazaars. Traffic jams and crowds seldom occur, and narrow lanes and slums are few and far between. Sidewalks are shaded and safe behind rows of flame trees, jacaranda and hibiscus. Roses, jasmine and bougainvillea fill the many parks. and scenic vantage-points show the city to its best advantage.

The decision to build Islamabad was taken in 1958 during the tenure of President Ayub Khan. Karachi, the capital since Independence in 1947, and Pakistan's largest city and only port, proved unsatisfactory because of its distance from many parts of the country and its debilitating climate. Islamabad, on the other hand, offered a healthy climate, plenty of water and a central position on the Grand Trunk Road, close to Punjab and the North-West Frontier Province. That nearby Rawalpindi was the headquarters of the Pakistan army, was another consideration. Finally, the site had historical connections because of its proximity to Taxila, for many centuries the region's principal city.

A Greek firm of architects, Doxiadis Associates, drew up a master plan, triangular in shape, based on a grid system, with its apex towards the Margalla Hills. The planners envisaged Islamabad eventually absorbing Rawalpindi entirely and stretching well to the west of the Grand Trunk Road.

The city was divided into eight zones: the diplomatic enclave, the commercial district, the educational sector, the industrial area and so on, each with its own shopping area and park. The entire area was planted with trees in 1960, which in their maturity now give the capital a park-like atmosphere. Construction began in 1961, and the first residents moved in two years later. Meanwhile, government offices were temporarily moved up to Rawalpindi.

The 1962 Constitution of Pakistan confirmed Islamabad as the principal seat of the central government, although it was decided that the central legislature would be located in Dacca (now Dhaka), in what was then East Pakistan. It was only after the 1971 war, which resulted in East Pakistan becoming the independent country of Bangladesh, that Islamabad came fully into its own as the capital of Pakistan.

When to go:

At 518 metres (1,700 feet) above sea level, Islamabad is ants best from October to March, when days are crisp and nights are cold. Spring is short but intense, with flowers providing a riot of colour in March. The hottest months are May and June, before the monsoon, but even they are not oppressive. Abnormally hot weather can be escaped by taking a trip to Murree, a hill resort 2,240 metres (7,350 feet) above sea level, about an hour's drive away.
 
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State Emblem



The State Emblem of Pakistan, which was approved by the Central Government in 1954, symbolises Pakistan's ideological foundation, its cultural heritage, the guiding principles and the basis of its economic strength.

The four ingredients of the Emblem are:

The crescent and star crest at the top is a traditional symbol of Islam.
The shield in the centre, with four partitions, shows cotton, wheat, tea and jute. These are the main crops of Pakistan and signify the strong agriculture based economy.
The wreath surrounding the shield is a reproduction of the floral designs used in traditional Mughal art. Its inclusion in the design reminds of the nation's cultural heritage.

The scroll supporting the shield carries the Urdu version of Quaid-e-Azam's famous motto --- "Faith", "Unity", "Discipline". These three words articulate the guiding principles for the nation.

Unlike other heraldic devices which are emblazoned with symbols representing mythological, historical and geographical features, Pakistan's state emblem gives due recognition to the country's source of inspiration, strength and tradition.

 

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Provinces Of Pakistan

There Are Four Provinces In Pakistan.


Sindh

Chief Minister : Sardar Ali Mohammad Maher
Governer :
Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad
Capital : Karachi
Area : 1,40,915 sq km
Population : 3,04,40,000 (July 1998 est.)
National Language : Urdu
Mother Lanaguage : Sindhi (90% of Area)

Punjab
Chief Minister : Chaudhary Pervez Elahi
since 29th. November, 2002.
Governer :
Lieutenant General (Retired) Khalid Maqbool
since October, 29, 2001.
Capital : Lahore
Area : 2,05,345 sq km
Population : 7,36,21,000 (July 1998 est.)
National Language : Urdu
Mother Lanaguage : Punjabi (90% of Area)

Balochistan
Chief Minister : Jam Mahammad Yousuf
Governer :
Lieutenant General (Retired) Abdul Qadir Baloch
Capital : Quetta
Area : 3,43,000 sq km
Population : 65,66,000 (July 1998 est.)
National Language : Urdu
Mother Lanaguage : Balochi (80% of Area)

North West Frontier Province (N.W.F.P.) /Sarhad
Chief Minister : Akram Khan Durrani
Governer :
Lieutenant General (Retired) Iftikhar Hussain Shah
Capital : Pashawar
Area : 1,40,915 sq km
Population : 1,77,44,000 (July 1998 est.)
National Language : Urdu
Mother Lanaguage : Pashtu (90% of Area)





 

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People of Pakistan

People in Pakistan are very very much linked together by family bonds or by the place where they live or just friendship. Specially in Lahore. They live in Large Families and are very proud of their family background like the British. Such a bond only exists between our people who keep others interests above their personal interests.

The western concept of clubs is so well implemented in the local cultures of the Pakistani People that they are asked to come to a community center Five times a day and that is what is called the Mosque. Where we go to say our prayer five times a day and meet those people who live in the same community and socialize. Then every one also gathers at community centers and socialize and further listen to the state sermon.

Explore Pakistani culture

“Culture” can be defined in many different ways. Culture may be defined as behavior peculiar to human beings, together with material objects used. Culture consists of language,ideas,values,attributes,beliefs,customs, codes,institutions,tools,works and arts , religion, law, morality ,ceremonies and festivals.According to Muller-Layer, Culture can be defined as “Culture is an aggregate means of achievement and of progress”.

Salient Features of Pakistan Culture and Pakistani People:
Pakistan is a Muslim country and Islam is the official religion. Islam is the religion which is professed and practiced by the people of Pakistan.Pakistani culture can be called as “Mixed Culture”. Although the majority of people in Pakistan are Muslims by birth and faith, there is a strong influence of Hindu culture on the present Pakistani culture. The shadows of this influence are quite visible on the marriage ceremonies and festivals like “Basant”.Dowry Systems and heavy expenditures on the marriage of girls is done, which is inherited from Hindu society because in Hindu society there is no share of women in the inheritance of their parents. Although women are given a share in the inheritance of their parents in Pakistani society, there are huge expenditures on the marriages of daughters. English is the official language in Pakistan, but the national language is Urdu, which is widely spoken and understood throughout the country. Punjabi, Pushto, Sindhi, Baluchi and Kashmiri are the regional languages.Pakistani society is a “Male Oriented Society”, where they are given full protection and great respect. The family is headed by a male member, usually the oldest male member of the group. He guides the other members. Old people are given positions of prestige, honor and respect in Pakistani culture.

Social life is simple. Social customs and traditions reflect Islamic touch: people are very much conscious about their social traditions and feel pride in following them.Dress in a Muslim society like Pakistan is designed and intended to cover human body, as nudity is prohibited in Islam. So, people of Pakistan prefer to wear simple dresses according to their climate.
Pakistani handicrafts are gaining popularity in the world market day by day, as Pakistani craftsman are considered as the best in their craftsmanship. Pakistan is famous for its high standard items of glass, silver, wooden furniture, pottery, marble goods and things made of camel skin.

Cricket, Hockey, Football, Kabbadi, squash, badminton, and wrestling are the major sports in Pakistan.Ulema, Mushaikh and Sufi poets occupy highly honored places in Pakistani culture.People of Pakistan are extremely humble simple and Islamic people. Image of Islam portrayed by the terrorist as Islam is is to tarnish the name of the Last Religion. In Pakistan you can clearly see the real image of simple and pure people and understand what the basis of Islam really are. The Pakistani Society runs around the reigns of Islam, not that people understand Islam very well but well at least try to do as much as they can to be good.

Following things are to be known about the people in Pakistan:

The National Dress of People is Shalwar Kameez

The National Language is Urdu, Official Language is English, The Regional Languages are Numerous for Example Punjabi in Punjab, Sindi in Sind, Balochi or Brahwi in Balochistan
People in Pakistan are very very much linked together by family bonds or by the place where they live or just friendship. Specially in Lahore. They live in Large Families and are very proud of their family background like the British. Such a bond only exists between our people who keep others interests above their personal interests.

The western concept of clubs is so well implemented in the local cultures of the Pakistani People that they are asked to come to a community center Five times a day and that is what is called the Mosque. Where we go to say our prayer five times a day and meet those people who live in the same community and socialize.

Then every one also gathers at community centers and socialize and further listen to the state sermon.
 

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Festivals Of Pakistan

Pakistan's calendar features a great many Muslim religious festivals. Others are in memory of National Heroes or commemorate political events in the nation's recent history. Muslim festivals are celebrated according to Muslim (Lunar) Calendar and may occur some 10 days earlier each successive Christian Year. There are several folk festivals held regularly in every part of the country. Exact dates of such festivals are fixed annually by the District Administration of the respective area, at least 01 month in advance. Pakistan's main festivals are listed below:

Shab-e-Barat: Religious festival celebrated on 14th of Shaaban, the 8th Islamic month. Prayers, fire-works, exchange of sweet dishes and visits to relatives and friends.
Eid-ul-Fitr: Religious festival celebrating end of fasting month on 1st of Shawwal, the 10th month of Islamic Calendar Special prayer after sun-rise, exchange of sweet dishes, visits.

Pakistan Day: Commemorating the anniversary of Pakistan Resolution passed by the Muslims of South Asia on March 23, 1940. Military parade is held at Lahore Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. Main feature is the grand parade at Islamabad. 23 March

Mela Chiraghan (Festival of lamps): Held for 01 week outside Shalimar Garden, Lahore. Last week of March

Horse & Cattle Show: At Dera Ismail Khan. Local games, folk dances, music, cattles races and exhibition of local handicrafts. End of March till 1st week of April

Eid-ul-Azha: Religious festival commemorating the great sacrifice offered by Prophet Ibrahim. Celebrated on 10 Zilhaj, 12th month of Islamic Calendar. Collective prayers are offered after sunset, sacrifice of goats, sheep, cows or camels and distribution of meat among relatives, friends and poor.

May Day: Rallies, processions and meetings held throughout the country. 01 May

Ashura: Two days mourning on the death anniversary of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) on 9th and 10th of Moharram, the first month of Islamic Calendar Processions, rallies and meeting (music prohibited).

Eid-e-Miland-un-Nabi: (Birthday of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad, (P.B.U.H.) on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal - the 3rd of month of Islamic Calendar.

Independence day: Meeting, processions, rallies, decorations and 14 August illustrations all over the country. 14 August

Defence Day: Parades and exhibitions of military equipment at Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. Visits to the war memorials. 06 September

Airforce Day: Display of latest aircrafts of Pakistan Airforce and air shows at Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. 07 September

Death Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation. 11 September

Lok mela: Folk Festival held at Islamabad. Folk Music, songs music contests, folk dances, craftsmen at work, exhibition and sale of handicrafts. The festival presents a unique opportunity to watch the culture and craft of the whole country at one place. 1st week of October - for one week

Birthday of Allama Mohammad Iqbal, the national Poet*. 09 November

National Industrial Exhibition Islamabad: Exhibition and sale of Pakistan's industrial products and handicraft items Middle of November till Middle of December.

National Industrial Exhibition Lahore: Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Exhibition and sale of industrial products and handicrafts of Pakistan. 3rd week of November for 15 days

National Horse & Cattle Show Lahore: Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore, Cattle races, cattle dances, tent-pegging, tattoo show, folk music, dances, bands, cultural floats and folk games. 3rd week of November for 15 days

Christmas and Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam* 25 December.

BASANT
Basant, the Festival of Kites, is said to be originated in India. It has been cursed as an Indian hobby, but in the cities of Punjab such as Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi, Basant is the time when skies are filled with kites of all colours.

It is during spring when the trees are in blooming, and everyone in the city is carried away by the light-hearted beauty of the kites. Capricious breezes blow and the kite makers get busy bending splints of bamboo and gluing on brightly coloured tissue paper to fashion kites that people will buy to fly over the city. Everyone takes up residence on the roofs to watch and participate as the spring winds whip brilliantly coloured diamond-shaped paper kites into the air in such quantities that you can barely see the sky above. Against that deep, cool blue there will be thousands of kites, criss-crossing like a swarm of crazed butterflies.

Boys of all ages prepare for the event by buying and making kites of tissue and sticks, as well as by craftily applying bits of ground glass to their own kite strings in order to cut the opponent's string and reign victorious over any and all kites in reach of their own.

The kites of Basant are warriors, glorious opponents who battle for control of all they survey. Once the kite is air-borne, it is an open invitation to a severing contest - the painch. The kite's weapon is its maanjha - its wickedly armoured string, which the kite flyers of Basant spend many days preparing, and the treatment of which is an art in itself. The string is coated in a mixture of rice paste and ground glass to strengthen it and render it capable of slashing through a hapless opponent's maanjha.

The kites of Basant are beautiful even in combat. They must fly at a considerable height so that the string can harmonise with the flow and direction of the wind. To attack, kite flyers must manoeuvre their kites in a hawk-like swoop across the sky, cross their opponent's string and move swiftly up and down to sever the rival string at its weakest point. There are many more techniques for manoeuvring and combating, each deadly, yet requiring skilful and quickness of hands and fingers.

Today, the Basant is considered a traditional and cultural event. Kite industry, eventhough small yet rapidly expanding has brought engineering developments in this art. The string, or the maanjha, is made of very precise quantities of chemicals, which are exported, to India and similarly, Indian maanjha is imported due to its unique ingredients.
 
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