whale shark

The Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) opened to the public in 1986, and is located in Shakarparian, Islamabad. Since then, it has attracted 18,000 to 20,000 visitors every month. Our guided tour by Research Associate, Mr. Mohammed Imran, revealed how the museum is more than what meets the eye. PMNH provides an impressive and detailed presentation of species which also call this country home. The displays are magnificent, providing a depiction of Pakistan’s diverse treasures, which include various stones, salt ranges, fossils from centuries ago, and more.

Consisting of four main divisions and six galleries, the museum houses more than 1.4 million specimens in categories of rocks, minerals, animals and plants, even prehistoric beasts. The Museum displays are detailed and varied, which requires at least two hours to explore.

The museum’s Bio Gallery is a detailed display of animals, birds and plants along with their habitats, found in different eco-regions, ranging from the alpine heights to the seashores of Pakistan. This part is definitely one of the most exciting sections of the tour, especially for the young ones. The Tethys Gallery provides visuals on Pakistan’s Salt Range via the rocks, fossils and minerals collected there. In addition, a 3D diorama of the Khewra Salt Mine is also available nearby, compelling locals and foreigners alike to visit the real location near Jhelum, Punjab.