Pakistan

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Quick Facts

[edit]

Capital

Islamabad

Government

Federal Republic

Nationality

Pakistani

Population

163 230 500 ^[1]

Area

796,096 km²

Languages

Urdu (national), English (official), Punjabi, Sindhi, Siraiki, Pashtu

Religions

Islam (Sunni, Shi'a), Christianity, Hinduism

Currency

Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

Calling Code

+92

Time Zone

UTC+5

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Introduction

Bashadi Mosque

© All Rights Reserved TLWH

Though Pakistan is a Muslim nation, its past was heavily influenced by the two other major religions in the area as well. Monuments of Hinduism and Buddhism reveal some of the complexities of Pakistan, while making for fantastic sightseeing. Sights are most dramatic in the north, though, where the landscape is perhaps the most impressive in all of Asia: gut-wrenching peaks (including K2, the second highest mountain in the world) are great photo opportunities, or, if you're the mountaineering type, the biggest adventure of your life. Even for those a little less daring, trekking through Pakistan is immensely rewarding.

Brief History

The Islamic republic of Pakistan was formed on 14th August 1947, when former British India was divided.

Geography

Pakistan stretches from the Hindukush Mountains in the north to the Arabian Sea in the south.

Regions

Provinces

• Balochistan: Quetta.
• North-West Frontier Province (NWFP): Peshawar, Dir, Chitral, Swat.
• Punjab: Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Taxila.
• Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad.

Territories

• Islamabad Capital Territory: Islamabad, Rawalpindi.
• Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

Pakistani-administered portions of the Kashmir

• Azad Kashmir
• Northern Areas: Chilas, Gilgit, Skardu, Karimabad, Passu, Sust.

Cities

• Islamabad is the nation's capital.
• Karachi is Pakistan's economic and social centre, also it is the world's second most populated city. Located on the Arabian Sea, it acts as the country's economic hub and boasts Pakistan's largest port.
• Lahore is an amazing city with a long complex history.
• Faisalabad
• Rawalpindi
• Multan
• Hyderabad
• Peshawar is the border town between Pakistan and the tribal areas of the north.
• Quetta
• Taftan is the border crossing town with Iran.

Sights and Activities

Fairy Meadows

© All Rights Reserved zartash

Trekking

Pakistan is noted as having some of the best trekking terrain in the world. From hosting K2 treks to leading the Karakoram trail into China its rare that a country could top Pakistan for its breathtaking mountain views. These trails range from novice inclined to full scale 'Hiliary' type expeditions. Unlike many other mountainous countries, Pakistan's ice capped trails are largely tourist free due to recent political problems. But the northern areas are renown for their peaceful and friendly inhabitants.

Be prepared though. Not much, if any, equipment is available to buy in Pakistan. So make sure you bring your own equipment such as hiking boots, weather gear and anything else you might need on a trail.

Peshwar

Further south in Peshawar you will experience a city that few others on the planet can top. Peshawar has become a haven for Afghan refugees and settlers since the war in their homeland. As such the city had grown a new cultural behaviour that is quite fascinating to behold. Afghan's mixed with local Pashtun's create a wealth of culinary, visual and cultural delights for the traveller.

It's not a city for the weak at heart though. Peshawar is very crowded. The roads make some of India's look tame in comparison. Cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, bicycles, motorbike, cars, multicoloured buses and people all hustle for space here in amongst plumes of oily smoke. Yet in amongst all this chaos you will still be greeted by friendly faces, bar the odd manic taxi driver.

Khyber Pass

Peshawar is also home to the starting point of the Khyber Pass trail. Made famous as the main overland route used by Kings and war mongers of yesterday as a gateway between Central Asia, Asia, and Europe. Alexander the Great is perhaps it's most famous of travellers. Today it is an excellent hike to a still very remote part of the world.

Moenjodaro

Moenjodara is a short train from Karachi or a water taxi from Larkana. This stunning ancient Indus Valley city dates back to 2500 BC other then one stupa. This is by far one of the best persevered Indus Valley cities. There is also an excellent museum attached to the sight that has several nice relics.

Other Sights and Activities

• Chaukundi tombs and cemeteries are an amazing place outside of Karachi.
• Khunjerab Pass and National Park is located high in the mountains and on the border with China, this national park and mountain pass has stunning archaeological sites and wildlife.
• Nathiagali is a great place to enjoy hikes in heavily wooded hills and mountains.
• Takht-I-Bahi is the stunning ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery.

Events and Festivals

Bride

© All Rights Reserved maxloxton

Weather

There are many variations in the climate in Pakistan, with ver high mountains in the north, deserts in the south and southeast that receive little rain and of course the wet season is many parts of the country.
There are three principal seasons. From mid-October until late February is the cool season, when the weather is generally pleasant, sunny, and relatively warm by day but with chilly nights and occasional frost in some areas. There is some rain in the northern and western parts of the country. Temperatures in much of the country are around 25 degrees Celsius during the day.

Conditions in the higher mountains at this time are cold, with snow and extremely low temperatures high in the mountains. But temperatures in the south and centre of the country rise to much higher levels. The heath is unpleasant despite the relatively low humidity. Some occasional rain may occur at this time and ther is also the possibility of dust storms at this time.

The rainy season over most of the country is from late June until early October. This is the season of the southwest monsoon and although temperatures are a little lower the high humidity makes this time not a very pleasant one to visit.
Still, not all of Pakistan is equally wet during the rainy season. The desert region of the south and southeast receives little rain at this time and is sunny and hot. Jacobabad for example has the reputation of being one of the hottest places in the world from April until September. June is the hottest month with average daytime temperatures of 46 degrees Celsius and an absolute high of 53 degrees! Nights are sometimes over 30 degrees Celsius.
More towards the coast there is some relief of the heat but higher humidity makes things equally bad in for example Karachi.

The wet season is most common in the eastern and central lowlands of the country, for example in Islamabad, where daytime temperatures of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius are combined with almost 250 mm of rain in July and August.

Getting There

By Plane

Pakistan International Airlines, the national carrier, is based at Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi, the largest airport in the country. Other international airports include Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore and Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in the capital Islamabad.

Destinations are mainly to major Asian cities and also to some European and North American cities such as London, New York and Toronto.

By Train

• Karachi to Jodhpur

Since February 2006, a train travels between the Indian city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan and the coastal city of Karachi in Pakistan. It's the first international train travelling directly between the two countries since 1965.
The Thar Express leaves Karachi at 11pm on Fridays, taking almost 24 hours before arriving in Jodhpur on Saturday evening. In the opposite direction, trains leave and arrive on approximately the same time on the same days taking 24 hours as well.

• Lahore to Amritsar

On Mondays and Thursdays the Samjhota Express leaves Amritsar at 7 in the morning, scheduled to arrive in Lahore in Pakistan just after 2pm. In the other direction, trains leave Lahore on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8.30am to the Indian town of Atari, from where there are connections to Amritsar, arriving at 3pm.

As of late 2007 the train from Iran into Pakistan via Taftan and onto Quetta no longer runs with passengers. There is still a cargo train from Taftan to Quetta, but it is unclear if passengers can board.

By Car

You will need a Carnet de Passage if you are travelling through with your own vehicle, the police/customs will stop you and ask for it. If driving your own vehicle be prepared for crazy traffic. Be sure to have proper insurance as well as an international driving permit. Crossings to/from Iran and India are the easiest and quite a few people make it here overland from Europe to Asia.

By Bus

You can cross into Pakistan to/from India, Iran, China and Afghanistan. There are few direct buses though. The best one to take is the bus between Lahore and Delhi. With proper visa arranged, crossings to the other countries are also possible but usually require a change of transport across the border and you have to cross on foot. Crossing to China is via the Khunjerab pass. Buses go to Tashkurgan at the border and onward across the border to Kashgar. To Iran, the border crossing is at Taftan and buses go from Quetta to the border and onwards to Zahendan in Iran. A popular route to Afghanistan is from Peshawar across the Khyber Pass towards Jalalabad and Kabul.
Note that due to ungoing safety problems in the north of Pakistan, crossings to and from Afghanistan and China might not be safe or even possible anymore. Check the latest conditions once in Pakistan.

By Boat

There are no international passenger service by ferry.

Getting Around

By Plane

Pakistan International Airlines, Aero Asia and Bhoja Air are just a few airlines that have domestic routes. There are many daily flights between Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Sukkur, Faisalabad and Quetta.

By Train

Train services, operated by Pakistan Railway, are easy in Pakistan, but it is advisable to book ahead by a day or so. The hardest part in travelling by train is understanding the various classes and types of seats. The basics are: Economy, which is just a seat. Berth, which is pretty much a long cushioned seat of, and Parlor. The latter two have the added option of being with or with out air conditioning. For longer short or budget travel Berth in 1st Class AC would be a good option. There's a very good and cheap book for sale just about everywhere (try outside the stations) called Time & Fare Table, that's worth the purchase to save time understanding which train you need, and what type of seat.

By Car

You will need a carnet de passage if you are travelling through with your own vehicle, the police/customs will stop you and ask for it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. If driving your own vehicle be prepared for crazy traffic.
It is usually much better to rent a car with a driver who doubles as a guide. If you want to drive yourself, there are car rental agencies in most bigger cities and the airports of Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

By Bus

Buses a numerous and plentiful in Pakistan. They lack air conditioning in all but a few companies Daewoo being the most popular and reliable, but are generally not too uncomfortable. You baggage is placed on the roof. Nearly all buses are brightly and colourfully decorated with lucky charms hanging from every conceivable area.

It is not possible for a tourist to take a direct Bus from Quetta to Peshawar due to the NWFP terrorist activities, for your own protection police have been asked to remove tourists from any buses traveling that route and send them back. The only option is to avoid the NWFP by either train or bus.

By Boat

Most boats used by travellers are on the Indus River and include tours and packages. There are no noteworthy regular public passenger services.

Red Tape

Pakistan is not as bureaucratic as it's neighbor India, but it does have it's moments.
Visas:

A visa is needed before entry. Visitors from Iceland, Maldives, Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Western Samoa and Zambia do not need a visa. Most Pakistani embassies will issue you a 30-day tourist visa to non-restricted areas.

Requirements:

1. If applying from outside your country of residence you will need a letter from your own embassy in the country you are applying from.

2. Two passport photographs.

3. Two Photocopies of all your passport details.

You will need to have a rough itinerary as well to write into the forms they give you.
The embassy usually gives out the visa on the same day. But this could stretch to two days depending on workloads.

Police & Military:

Generally speaking both the police and army are quite friendly to tourists. Most officers speak good English and are happy to help where they can.

Money

See also: Money Matters

Pakistan uses the Rupee (Rs) which comes in the form of Rs5, Rs10, Rs50, Rs100, Rs500 and Rs1000 denomination notes. There are also some lower denomination coins of Rs1, Rs2 and Rs5.

A lot of the notes are quite battered and torn, some shop keepers will refuse to accept them. So it's best to refuse them yourself.

There are ATMs scattered around most of the larger cities that accept VISA and MasterCard. But they rely on a satellite system to connect and this can often be off line. So its best to keep a stash of cash with you. Standard Chartered is a reliable bank and is in most of the main cities.
Once past Chitral there are no ATMs. Money changers are plentiful.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also: Travel Health

Safety

See also: Travel Safety

Keep connected

Internet

Most of Pakistan's Internet facilities are quite poor outside of the capital. Internet cafe's run older versions of Windows (98), are quite slow and are prone to viruses.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Sim cards are available and are very cheap. International texting is very cheap. Its worthwhile to find out where you are going to be in Pakistan before buying, as many cards are region specific (even if they state they are national)

Post

The postal service works well. But be aware you are not allowed to send CD's or DVD's out of the country. This includes your photo's on CD. This is due to the high number of software and media trafficking in Pakistan.