Pakistan
General Information for Pakistan
Geo-political:
Capital City: Islamabad.
Nationality: (noun) Pakistani, (adjective) Pakistani.
Population: 174,578,558.
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 92.
Number of Internal Airports: 98.
Major Languages Spoken: Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official)
8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani
elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%.
Economy:
Currency: 1 Pakistan Rupee (PKR) of 100 Paisa.
Main Industries: Textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, paper
products, fertiliser and shrimp.
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Other Maritime Claims: Contiguous Zone: 24 n.m. Continental Shelf: 200 n.m. or to the edge of the continental
margin. Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 1,046 km.
Climate: Mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north.
Natural Resources: Land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore,
copper, salt and limestone.
Natural Hazards: Frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along
the Indus after heavy rains (July and August).
Terrain: Flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in
west.
Average Temperatures:
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17° C | 5° C |
| June | 40° C | 25° C |
| September | 35° C | 21° C |
OVERVIEW:
There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including at places frequented by expatriates and
foreign travellers. You should be particularly vigilant, including in all major cities
of Pakistan, keep a low profile, avoid large gatherings and crowds, and limit movements
on Friday afternoon.
There is the risk to foreigners of kidnapping. You should be alert to this threat
throughout the country.
Also see
General.
CHARTS:
National charts published by the Pakistan Navy Hydrographic Department and available
to purchase through Seasafe Nautical Supplies. Details of charts at
Seasafe Nautical Supplies. T: +92 (21) 3521 0914. F: +92 (21) 3568 0636.
[email protected]
POLLUTION:
The competent national authority for oil spill response is the Pakistan Maritime Security
Agency (PMSA) under the Ministry of Defence. The port authorities control spill response
within port limits; however, since response resources are relatively limited, they
are likely to call for assistance from the PMSA.
Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA). T: +92 (21) 9921 4624. F: +92 (21) 9921 4625.
[email protected]
PIRACY:
Although the threat from piracy within 12 n.m. of the Pakistani coastline is currently
low, mariners should be aware of the significant threat piracy poses in the Gulf of
Aden and Indian Ocean.
IMB Piracy Reporting Centre:
IMB PRC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 24/7 Helpline T: +60 (3) 2031 0014. F: +60 (3) 2078 5769.
[email protected]
www.icc-ccs.org
IMB PRC Malaysia broadcasts SITREP reports to vessels at 0000 GMT and warnings via
Inmarsat C (Satellite) EGC Safety Net. However, vessels within some parts of the world,
that are not considered at risk from piracy, will not receive these messages.
Also see
General.
TIME:
GMT plus 5 hours.
HOLIDAYS:
1 January (New Year’s Day); 5 February (Kashmir Day, National Solidarity Day); 23
March (Pakistan National Day); Easter; Early May Bank Holiday; Spring Bank Holiday;
Eid ul Fitr; 14 August (Independence Day); Eid ul Adha; Summer Bank Holiday; 20 September
(Muharram); Eid Milad-un-Nabi; 25 December (Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam/Christmas); 26
December (Boxing Day).
CONSULS:
If you or your father were born in Pakistan, you might be considered a Pakistani national
by the authorities, even if you do not hold a Pakistani passport. As such, your own
(foreign) government might be prevented from providing the full range of consular
assistance.
Also see
General.
SHORE LEAVE:
Be aware of the risk of street crime and take personal security measures. Take particular
care to safeguard your passport, bank cards, bags, jewellery, laptops and mobiles,
especially when using public transport including when travelling to and from the airport
and when walking in crowded areas including markets. There is an active black market
in forged and stolen passports. Credit card fraud is common. Street taxis should be
avoided and where possible use only those from reputable companies which are radio-controlled.
Also see
General.
REPATRIATION:
If you are travelling to Pakistan on a foreign (non-Pakistani) passport, you will
need to get a visa before you travel. Visa violations can be treated as a criminal
offence and could result in a fine or detention. Your passport should be valid for
a minimum period of 6 months at the time of your visa application. You can enter Pakistan
visa free and remain there for an unlimited period of stay if you hold a valid National
Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Smart National Identity Card for
Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP).
Exit Requirements:
All passengers leaving Pakistan must have a valid visa, a Pakistani national identity
card or a valid Pakistani passport. If you are travelling on a foreign passport and
your visa has expired you may not be allowed to board your flight. In these circumstances
you should contact the Ministry of Interior to get an exit visa. A fine may also be
payable.
If you’re visiting Pakistan for more than 4 weeks, you may need to provide proof of
polio vaccination when you leave Pakistan.
GENERAL:
Information obtained from the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Updates available
at
www.gov.uk/fco
