1. Official Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
2. Population: 220 million approximately
3. Total Area: 881,888 sq. km.
4. Religion: 95% Muslims & 5% Others
5. Annual per capita income: US$ 1,513
6. Languages: Urdu (National) & English (Official)
7. Literacy rate: 57%
8. Electricity: 220 v
9. Time zone: GMT + 5 (Karachi, Islamabad, Tashkent)
10. Driving: Right-hand side
11. Media: Electronic, Print, Radio, and cable
12. Communication: Post offices, Telephone, Fax, Internet, and Mobile
13. Imports: Industrial equipment, chemicals, vehicles, steel, iron,  Ore, Petroleum, edible oil, pulses, tea
14. Exports: Cotton, textile goods, rice, leather items, carpets, sports goods
15. Major crops: Cotton, wheat, rice, sugar cane

• Where in the world is Pakistan
  

  Pakistan on the world map

  Map of Pakistan

   

   

  How to come to Pakistan

  By air

  There are three major international airports and six other international airports in Pakistan.

  • Jinnah International Airport in Karachi receives major international airlines including Air Arabia, Air China, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Cathy Pacific, Etihad, Emirates, Flydubai, GMG Airlines, Gulf, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Iran Air, Iraqi Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Thai Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Besides international flag carriers, it’s also the main hub of the national carrier “PIA” and 3 private airlines (Air Blue, Indus Air and Shaheen Air).

   

  • Allama Iqbal International Airportin Lahore has been completely renovated with a new terminal for international arrivals and departures. Many airlines are currently operating to the airport including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Pakistan International (PIA), Saudi Arabian Airlines, Thai Airways, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Uzbekistan Airways and two private airlines from Pakistan.
  • Benazir Bhutto International Airportin Islamabad is serving in the capital currently receiving airlines including many of the above with Ariana Afghan Airlines, Kam Air, Kyrgystan and China Southern Airlines.

  By road

  From China:

  At an elevation of 4737m is the Khunjerab border connecting Pakistan and China by the Karakoram Highway, a modern feat of engineering that traverses a remarkably scenic route through the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains. There are now private buses as well as government regular transport shuttling between Kashgar (China) to Sust (Pakistan). One can hire a mini-van or a Land-cruiser to commute over the Karakoram Highway. The pass remains open from 1^st May to 31^st October.

  From Afghanistan:

  The Khyber Pass connects Peshawar to Jalalabad and Kabul and requires and a permit to travel through the tribal regions between Peshawar and the border. Onward travel from the border to Kabul should be verified for safety reasons.

  From Afghanistan:

  The Bolan Pass connects Quetta in Pakistan to Kandahar in Afghanistan but considered very chancy. That is why this route is not currently open to foreign tourists, and is only open to locals and aid workers. Via the Mijva border in Iran which is half an hour’s drive from Zahedan. The Pakistani border town is called Taftan and has facilities of immigration, customs, hotels etc.

  From India:

  There is a regular bus service commuting between Delhi and Lahore via the Wahga border. All travelers must have valid visa including necessary documents. One cannot buy ticket on the spot rather travelers need to show up few days before with valid visas of both countries. The journey details can be found here:http://dtc.nic.in/lahorebus.htm.

  From Iran:

  Via the Mirjaveh – Taftanborder in Iran which is half an hour drive from Zahedan. The Pakistani border town is called Taftan and has facilities of immigration, customs, hotels etc.

   

  When to go (climate)

  The mountainous areas in the north are subject to four distinct seasons: brief Spring (March to April depending on elevation) extended Summer (May to August) Fall (September to November) and Winter (December to February) while the southern and central parts of the country have three main seasons: cool (from October through February), hot (from March through June) and monsoons occur between July and September. But due to steady effects of climate change around the globe, slight irregularities in the weather pattern have been observed in Pakistan too.

   

  As climate is the crucial factor in deciding when and where to travel in Pakistan. The northern mountainous areas are full of nature round the year but tourist season commences with Japanese’s Cherry Blossom tours during spring season followed by the peak summer which invites numerous trekking groups and individuals to the high mountains and surroundings. It then concludes in the late fall till end of October when the trees are romantically colorful before they shed-off. The central part and the southern part, however, which are abundant in history, art and archaeology, are best to visit either during fall or during winters for their climatic appropriateness.

   

   

  Visa information

  Visas are usually easier to obtain in your home country, though recently the individual missions around the world have been given more authority to issue visas without checking with Islamabad ( the capital), which should help in getting applications turned around quicker.

  Nationals of Israel are not allowed entry as it is not recognized as a nation by Pakistan. Despite much on-line information to the contrary, Israeli stamps and visas would usually pose no problems for entry into Pakistan, though you may be subject to more stringent questioning by immigration officers.Holders of Taiwan passports are refused entry except in airport transit.

  Indian nationals can apply for 30 day tourist visas but must travel in a group through an authorized tour operator. Visitor visas to meet relatives or friends are easier to obtain, and come with some restrictions. Religious visas are granted for groups of 10 or more for 15 days.Business visas are now being issued for up to 5 years, multiple entries, as soon as 24 hours before arrival.

  People of Pakistani origin living overseas are granted 5 year multiple entry visas (along with their spouses), good for single stays of up to 1 year. Visas aren’t required at all if they are holding a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).

  International ticket

   

  PIA flies to most of major international destinations across the globe. Similarly a great number of international flag careers touchdown Pakistan’s three major airports in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Etihad Airways, Emirates, Saudi Airlines and Qatar Airways frequently serve in all major airports of Pakistan like anywhere in the world. A timely ticket purchase to Pakistan may save you enough money.

   

  Personal insurance

  It is highly recommended that always travel with your health insurance even if you are healthy as no one can be sure of accidents while travelling away from home. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, declare it before the insurance company finds out and refuse to cover. Emergency evacuations are way too expensive and the only best way is simply being insured. And if you are already insured luckily, find out in advance about the procedures for your company to reimburse directly to providers or to you later. Knowing everything about your insurance company and about the plans you are entitled would be very helpful. You must carry necessary documents in your backpack for immediate action in case of any emergency.

   

  What to carry

  • Warm clothing& trekking shoes if you plan to go trekking in the high altitude mountains
  • Medicine or a brief first aid kit for emergency aid
  • A pair or two of sun-glasses to avoid all kind of weather conditions
  • Camera and accessories (optional) if you are into photography
  • Credit card/travelers cheques/ cash to tackle emergency situations
  • Emergency contact information
  • Satellite phone (optional) if you want to stay connected with family

   

Popular Tourist Destinations in Pakistan

Pakistan has four provinces called Sindh, KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Punjab, and Baluchistan and each province is blessed with variety of attractions. Besides the provinces, there is Federal Capital Islamabad located in the heart of Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan area abundant in natural and man-made attractions.

A brief list of attractions as follows:

Sindh Province:

Karachi city, Quaid-e-Azam mosque, Mohenjo Daro, Sukkhar, Kot Diji, etc

KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa):

 Chitral, Kalash, Swat, Peshawar, Takht-bhai, Naran/Kaghan, Khyber Pass etc.

Punjab:

 Lahore, Mughal Heritage, Harrapa, Taxila, Sargodha, Derawar Fort, Multan, Uch, Salt Mine, Rohtas Fort, Ketasraj Fort, Rawalpindi, etc.

Islamabad:

 Shah Faisal Masjid (Mosque), ShakarPariyan Hills, Daman-e-koh, PirSohawa, Lake view Park, Islamabad markets, Carpet shops, etc.

Gilgit-Baltistan:

 Mountains, including K2, Broad Peak, Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, Baltoro Glacier, Batura Glacier, Biafo Glacier and number of other mountains and glaciers outside polar region. Other attractions are the KKH, Fairy Meadows, Gilgit City, Hunza-Nagar, Khunjerab, Karga Buddha, Petroglyphs and rock carvings along the KKH, Ancient Silk Route, Shandur Polo Festival, etc.

Baluchistan:

 Quetta city, Gawadar, Makran, Mehrgarh, the National Park, and local rich food.

Kashmir:

Muzaffarabad city, Neelum Valley, Banjusa, Tolipir, Pir Chinasi, Jehlum Valley etc.

Archaeological sites in Pakistan 

Harrapa, Mohenjodaro, KotDiji, MehrGarh, Takht-e-bhai, Taxila

World Heritage Sites in Pakistan             

• Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro (1980)
• Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol (1980)
• Fort and Shalimar Gardens in Lahore (1981)
• Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta (1981)
• Rohtas Fort (1997)
• Taxila (1980)

Properties submitted on the tentative list

• Badshahi Mosque, Lahore (1993)
• Wazir Khan’s Mosque, Lahore (1993)
• Tombs of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai, Lahore (1993)
• Hiran Minar and Tank, Sheikhupura (1993)
• Tomb of Hazrat Rukn-e-Alam, Multan (1993)
• Rani Kot Fort, Dadu (1993)
• Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta (1993)
• Chaukhandi Tombs, Karachi (1993)
• Archaeological Site of Mehrgarh (2004)
• Archaeological Site of Rehman Dheri (2004)
• Archaeological Site of Harappa (2004)
• Archaeological Site of Ranigat (2004)
• Shahbazgarhi Rock Edicts (2004)
• Mansehra Rock Edicts (2004)
• Baltit Fort (2004)
• Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, Baha’al-Halim and Ustead and the Tomb & Mosque of Jalaluddin Bukhari (2004)
• Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam (2004)
• Port of Banbhore (2004)

Pakistan is rich in variety of foods. In general, food consists of different types of kababs eaten either with flatbread (naan) or with white/brown rice. However, its four provinces and specifically some regions have their respective food specialty which is one of the reasons why those destinations are popular.

The types of flatbread (collectively referred to as Naan), kabaabs and drinks are:

Bread types:

Naan is a type of flatbread usually backed in clay ovens (tandoor).

Roti or Chapattiis homemade bread comparatively thinner than naan and backs quickly.

Paratha is of two kinds: One is backed in clay oven while the other is made by dripping in oil but both are so rich and needs attention.

Kababs:

SeekhKabab is a long skewer of minced beef mixed with herbs and seasonings.

ShamiKabab is a round patty of seasoned beef and lentils but softer than seekh kababs.

ChapliKababis spicy round kabab that is a specialty of Peshawar, made of minced beef flat bread dripped in oil.

Chicken Kabab is again a popular kabab that is found both with bone and without.

Lamb Kabab is the all lamb meat kabab usually served as cubes.

Roasted Chicken (Charga) is very famous around Pakistan, seen on the rotisserie in food streets.

Biryani is dish with mixed pieces of chicken and rice added with saffron and other seasonings.

Chicken Tikka is barbeque chicken with a spicy exterior. Looks like a huge, red chicken leg and thigh.

Famous Dishes:

Haleem is a dish thick stew-like mix of tiny chunks of meat or chicken, lentils and wheat grains.

Nihari is thick gravy made from local spices mixed with both chicken and beef. It is an oily and spicy dish.

There are too many shorbas, or sauces/soups, to enumerate. However, you should know of the most common ones.

Daal is a common dish made of yellow/red lentils or brown but slightly sour lentil “soup”.

Mixed vegetable: numerous vegies are available in different regions subject to the suitable weather and tradition of people. You can have any kind of vegetable with varying taste according to locality.

Meat

Meat is a major ingredient in most dishes with endless varieties.

AlooGosht (Potatoes and Meat) is a generic dish made up with chunks of potato and goat meat in gravy.

Nihariis another famous dish with beef simmered for several hours. Few people will have this available without spice. Eat with lemon, fried onion and caution: it is one of the spiciest curries widely liked in southern part of the country.

Paye or ‘Siri Paye’is a stew of goat/beef/mutton bones (typically hooves, skull) and bone marrow is extremely nutritious and generally eaten for breakfast with naan.

Desserts

Enjoy a variety; ice cream can be found in an abundance of flavors such as the traditional pistachio flavored Kulfi;

Falooda is tasty rosewater dessert. Traditional ice-cream known as ‘kulfi’ mixed with vermicelli, pistachio nuts and flavored with rose-water. Most ice-cream shops have their own versions.

Mithai is the generic name for a variety of sweet treats in Pakistan. The sweets are extremely popular in Pakistan and called different things depending on where you go.

Kulfi is a very traditional made ice-cream mixed with cream and different types of nuts.

Ice-cream is very famous and western ice-cream parlors in like “Polka Parlor” “Jamin Java” “Hot Spot” are equally famous as traditional ice creams, the ‘Chaman’ ice cream parlor.

A part from local restaurants, international fast food chains have also popped up throughout Pakistan. They include, KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Subway, Nandos, Mr.Cod, Papa Johns, and Dominoes etc. You find more European chains than North American.

Drinks

Tap water can be unsafe for drinking. However, newly installed water filters/purifiers are safe to drink water from. Packed drinking water is also available in the market in variety of brands which is a better choice. It is commonly believed that the taste of water in the northern part and north-eastern part of the country is very good as compared to the rest of the country.

Milk tea (referred to as Chai in Pakistan) is popular throughout the country. Breakfast without tea cannot be imagined. It is also a remedy to tiredness and a good pastime.

Black and green tea (Sabz chai or qehvah) are common and are traditionally drunk with cardamom and lots of sugar. Lemon is optional but recommended with green tea.

Kashmiri chai is a milky tea with almonds and nuts added to give additional flavor. This tea is very popular during weddings and in the cold season.

Coffee is also available in all cities.

Rupee (Rs) is the unit of Pakistani money which is further divided into 100 paisa. The currency has denomination in paper notes (Rs. 5000, Rs.1000, Rs. 500, Rs. 100, Rs. 50, Rs. 20, and Rs. 10) and in coins (Rs. 5, Rs. 2, and Rs. 1). It is a convertible currency but with a slight difference between bank rate and open market rate. However, looking back into the history of the exchange rate, the Pakistani currency is steadily devaluing over the past couple of decades. An updated exchange rate can be checked with a reliable website though one can observe slight variations even in the open markets. There are a number of ways you can manage your currency while traveling in Pakistan.

• You can carry cash but not all the stock in one basket. Just for the safe side, have a credit card on you as well as some traveler’s cheques. Don’t depend as much on traveler’s cheques as you do on currency bills. And don’t also forget to note down the serial number of traveler’s cheques.
• ATMs (automatic teller machines) are widely installed in all major cities of Pakistan. Major Banks accept MasterCard and Visa but not always all cards that work in western banks. Rely less on ATMs than on cash. In smaller towns, you must have hard cash preferably in local currency because the exchange rate in the remote areas is comparatively lower than in major hubs.
• If you come across financial problems, Western Union in Pakistan has services of fast money transfers and you can avail. Western Union operates in all major cities as well as in Post Offices.
• Leading hotels, airlines, and stores in Pakistan accept credit cards which is the best alternative for hard cash.
• Other major foreign currencies can also be exchanged in Pakistan but only in major cities. In remote areas, you may not find a good exchange rate.  Always ask for a receipt for your transactions, just for the safe side.

Though becoming ill in some way is common to travelers but more serious during traveling can be pre-existing medical conditions and accidental injuries than getting worried about contracting infectious diseases in Pakistan. A piece of good advice in this regard can be accompanying a precautionary medical kit after consulting a doctor. For people with heart conditions or those who need to carry syringes or needles, have an updated copy of the prescription from your physician which clearly mentions the necessity. Moreover, those who regularly take medication, have a double stock in two different packings just for the safe side.  Have teeth checked before traveling at least to avoid any toothache one should at least be able to do as much as possibly he/she can before reaching a doctor.

• Buy very cheap garments, bed sheets, shirts, T-shirts, jeans, and other stuff.
• Buy leather goods like shoes, jackets, purses, casings, and bags.
• You can buy anything related to sportslike cricket bats, balls, kits, footballs, sportswear, and other sports goods of high quality at low costs. To mention, Sialkot produces 90 percent of the world’s sports goods and is the largest provider of sports equipment to FIFA for the World cup.
• Buy surgical instruments, computer accessories, and musical instruments at reasonable rates.
• BuyChinese goods, Jewelry, gems and handicrafts, pottery, glassware, brassware, marble products, crystal works, antiques, wood carvings, rugs & Carpets, Pashmina shawls, wraps, Books, souvenirs, home accessories, cutlery, and kitchen utensils, and artwork.