Pakistan has one of Asia's most mind-blowing landscapes, extraordinary trekking, a multitude of cultures and a long tradition of hospitality. It's the site of some of the earliest human settlements, home to an ancient civilisation rivalling those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and the crucible of two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, both of which have their roots in the subcontinent. It's far more than the last hurdle before reaching India.
Pakistan is enriched by friendly people and magnificent landscapes. Opportunity for adventure is as high as its mighty mountain ranges.
Pakistan Travel Guide
Full Name
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Former Name
West Pakistan
Capital City
Islamabad
Government Type
federal republic
Area Size
total: 803,940 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +5 hours
Climate
The climate varies as much as the scenery, with cold winters and hot summers in the north and a mild climate in the south, moderated by the influence of the ocean. The central parts have extremely hot summers with temperatures rising to 45 °C, followed by very cold winters, often falling below freezing. Officially the highest temperature recorded in Pakistan is 52.8 °C at Jacobabad. There is very little rainfall ranging from less than 250 millimetres to more than 1,250 millimetres, mostly brought by the unreliable south-westerly monsoon winds during the late summer. The construction of dams on the rivers and the drilling of water wells in many drier areas have eased water shortages.
Geography
Pakistan covers 803,940 square kilometres, approximately the combined land areas of France and the United Kingdom, with its eastern regions located on the Indian tectonic plate and the western and northern regions on the Iranian plateau and Eurasian landplate. Apart from the 1,046 kilometre Arabian Sea coastline, Pakistan's land borders total 6,774 kilometres—2,430 kilometres with Afghanistan to the northwest, 523 kilometres with China to the northeast, 2,912 kilometres with India to the east and 909 kilometres with Iran to the southwest.
Languages
Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%
Culture
Pakistan has a rich cultural and traditional background going back to Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC – 1800 BC. The region of Pakistan has been invaded in the past, occupied and settled by many different people, including Dravidians, Aryans, Greeks, White Huns, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. And indeed the region has formed a distinct cultural unit within the main cultural complex of South Asia from prehistoric times. There are differences in culture among the different ethnic groups in matters such as dress, food, and religion, especially where pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices. The cultural origins come from the civilizations of North India and eastern Afghanistan, with significant influences from Persia, Turkestan and Hellenistic Greece. However, it was the first part of the subcontinent to receive the full impact of Islam. Hence it has developed an identity of its own.
History
The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. The dispute over the state of Kashmir is ongoing, but discussions and confidence-building measures have led to decreased tensions since 2002.
Travel Information
The national airline is Pakistan International Airlines (PK). Karachi (KHI) (Jinnah International Airport) is 15km northeast of the city. Coaches and a bus run to the city. Taxi services to the city are also available (journey time - 30 to 45 minutes). Airport facilities are Duty-free shops, restaurant, post office, bank and shops. Lahore (LHE) is 18km southeast of the city. Coaches and buses leave regularly for the city. Taxi services to the city are also available (journey time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities are Car hire, bank, restaurant and shops. Islamabad (ISB) (Islamabad International) is 8km southeast of the city. Coach and taxi services to the city are available (journey time - 20 minutes). Peshawar (PEW) is 4km from the city. Full bus and taxi services to the city are available (journey time - 10 minutes). Departure Tax PKR700-1,400 depending on class of travel. Transit passengers and children under two years of age are exempt. Main port: Karachi (Kemari). It is both Afghanistan’s and Pakistan’s port for goods, together with Port Qasim. No passenger boats or ships for the general public sail to or from Pakistan at present. A rail link extends from Quetta (via the border crossing at Taftan) to Zahedan, Iran; the express train (journey time – 27 hours) runs weekly from Quetta, as does the passenger train, which only travels as far as Taftan. For more information contact Pakistan Railways. From China: The Khunjerab Pass is often snow-covered and, during the rainy season (December to April), it is closed due to the high risk of mudslides. Transport includes buses, vans and 4-wheel drive vehicles. From India: Wagha is the only land border open between Pakistan and India (Lahore–Amritsar route). A minibus runs from Lahore railway station to Wagha and there are also taxis available (journey time – 30 minutes). The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) operates buses from Lahore to Delhi (journey time - 12 hours). From Iran: Travel is only possible via the Quetta–Taftan–Zahedan route. Several buses and coaches leave daily from Quetta to Taftan (journey time – 18 hours). There is also a road from Kabul, Afghanistan to Peshawar.
Accommodation
Pakistan offers a wide range of accommodation. Modern well-equipped hotels can be found in most major towns and offer excellent facilities such as swimming pools and sports facilities. There are also cottages, Dak bungalows and rest houses in all principal hill stations and health resorts. A government room tax of up to 17.5% is added to the cost of accommodation. In all cases it is advisable to book well in advance and check reservations.
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA except the following: -Holders of a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) regardless of nationality for unlimited stay; -Transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided they are holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport; -Holders of UN laissez-passer.Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the high commission/embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above. Price of visa varies according to nationality.Validity of Single-entry/Double-entry: six months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months. Multiple-entry: six months to one year. Apply to consulate or consular section at embassy or high commission.
Getting Around
Most domestic services are operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PK). Other airlines are Aero Asia and Bhoja Air. Air transport is the quickest and most efficient means of travel. Departure Tax PKR20-40 for internal flights. Children under two years are exempt. Traffic along the Indus River is almost exclusively commercial. Pakistan Railways operates the extensive rail network, much of which is a legacy of British rule.The main line, from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, has several daytime and overnight trains. Most other routes have several daily trains. Children under three years of age travel free. Children aged three to 11 years pay half fare. Concessions are available for tourists (on presentation of a certificate issued by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation), excluding Indian nationals travelling by rail. A discount of 25% is offered to individuals and groups, and 50% for students. Details are available from railway offices in Pakistan. Traffic drives on the left. The highway network between cities is poorly maintained. Caution should be taken when driving at night as roads are badly lit. It is advised that tourists to Pakistan travel with local drivers or guides. When driving it is advised to keep doors and windows locked at all times. Regular bus services run between most towns and villages. Advance booking is advised. Car hire is available in major cities, as well as at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi airports. Most hotels can book cars for guests. Extensive bus and minibus services operate in Lahore, Karachi and other towns, although services can be crowded. Taxis are reasonably priced and widely available; they are by far the most efficient means of urban travel.
Health & Safety
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Pakistan by travellers coming from an infected area. Malaria exists in parts of Pakistan year round. Dengue fever is another reason to protect against mosquito bites. Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis and polio are also a risk. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases; visitors should only drink bottled or otherwise sterilised water, and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat, salads and unpeeled fruit. There is a low risk of cholera and Hepatitis E. Outside the major cities there are few hospitals of a high standard. Medical insurance is strongly advised. There is a serious threat of terrorism in Pakistan, particularly in major cities where suicide bombings, kidnappings and murders have taken place. Currently holiday visits are not advised, and only necessary business travel or visits to family should be contemplated. Kashmir in the north is regarded as particularly dangerous with a high incidence of lawlessness and militant activity.
National Holidays
29 Jan - Ashoura. 23 Mar - Pakistan Day. 31 Mar - Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). 14 Aug - Independence Day. 13 Oct - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 9 Nov - Allama Muhammad Iqbal Day. 20 Dec - Eid ul-Azha (Feast of the Sacrifice). 25 Dec - Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday.
Currency
Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
Electricity
220v AC
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Thurs and Sat 9.00am -5.00pm, Fri 9.00am - 12.30pm.
Emergency Numbers
115(Ambulance) 16(Fire) 15(Police)
