Travel guide – pakistan

pakistan
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Overview

Strategically situated between India, China, Afghanistan and Iran, Pakistan follows the Indus River down from the spectacular mountain ranges in the north (which include the world’s second highest peak, K2) to the Arabian Sea. The river passes through the fertile provinces of Punjab and Sindh in the east and south. The southwest of Pakistan consists of the arid plateau of Baluchistan. The major cities of Karachi, the capital Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi are all situated in the lowlands of the Indus valley.

The nation of Pakistan itself may be relatively new, but the Indus region has hosted civilisation for thousands of years and the country has a rich culture and fascinating history from Alexander the Great to the heyday of the Silk Route, with the lucrative trade between China, India and the Roman empire; and rivalries between Hindu and Islamic dynasties and later the British Empire.

Life in the bustling southern cities is a mix of ancient tradition and modern technology, where shoppers haggle in colourful bazaars and craftsmen ply their trade, while others tuck into hot and spicy treats at street restaurants, or take their ease at teahouses. Lahore, in particular, boasts some wonderful historic architecture with its pink and white marble buildings, and the beautiful Moghul-style Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world – almost as magnificent as the Taj Mahal in India.

Climate

Pakistan’s climate is varied because of the difference in elevation from one end of the country to another. During the summer months from April to September the mountainous north is pleasant and temperate, but the Indus Valley swelters in temperatures of 100ºF (40ºC) or more. In late summer the southern region experiences monsoons, particularly along the coast. In winter the low-lying areas cool down appreciably to average temperatures of between 50ºF and 70ºF (10ºC to 25ºC), while the northern mountains ice up with the air well below freezing.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Pakistan by travellers coming from an infected area. Malaria exists in parts of Pakistan, and travellers should seek medical advice before travelling. Typhoid, Hepatitis A 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. In the areas affected by the earthquake of October 2005, basic health facilities have been disrupted. Outside the major cities there are few hospitals of a high standard. Medical insurance is strongly advised.

The basics

Time

Local time is GMT +5.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two- or three-pin plugs are used.

Language

Urdu is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood. There are also several regional languages and local dialects.

Tipping

The larger hotels and restaurants add a service charge of 10% to their bills otherwise tipping is not customary in Pakistan. Baksheesh, however, helps get things done more quickly.

Safety

There is a serious threat of terrorism in Pakistan, particularly in major cities where suicide bombings, kidnaps and executions have and are taking place, often injuring or killing innocent bystanders. Foreigners of Western origin are particularly likely to be targets for terrorists, including kidnapping. Crime is also high, as is the risk of sectarian attacks and tribal killings. A bomb attack on 19 March 2005 killed about 50 worshippers in a Shia shrine in northern Baluchistan, and an explosion that tore through a crowd of Shia Muslims on 8 February 2006 killed and injured many in North-West Frontier Province; it is recommended that visitors avoid places of worship during busy prayer times and festivals. Particular care should be taken if visiting Karachi, due to recent bombings. Visitors of visibly western origin are advised to avoid hanging around public places and to be particularly vigilant in areas frequented by foreigners. Travellers should keep up to date with the latest travel advisories regarding Pakistan before and during a visit. 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. It is recommended that all travel to Waziristan be avoided, and all but essential travel to the Sui area, northern and western Baluchistan, the Swat Valley in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies (FATA), and to the border areas except for official crossing points. Travel by bus and train in Baluchistan should also be avoided due to repeated bomb plants. Visitors should also avoid the centre of Gilgit, as sectarian tension is high at present; access to Gilgit should be by air only. Road travel along the Karakoram Highway to and from Islamabad should be undertaken only during daylight hours and in convoy with a police escort due to threat of attack. A large earthquake on 8 October 2005 left over 70,000 dead and thousands more injured in northern Pakistan and in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir. Rescue operations continue, but the damage is widespread. The most severely affected are the towns of Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Balakot and Mansehra. An explosion on 2 March 2006 occurred in the parking lot of the Marriott Hotel, which is next to the US consulate in Karachi, killing several people, including a US diplomat, and injuring about 50 more.

Customs

Pakistan is a strict Muslim state and therefore alcohol and pork products are forbidden by law. Homosexuality is illegal. Women in particular are expected to dress and behave decorously in public; even in the large cities shoulders and legs should be covered, and men should not wear shorts. Westerners should expect to be stared at - this is not considered rude in Pakistan, and is purely because you are new and different. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.

Communications

The International Direct Dialling code for Pakistan is +92. The outgoing international code is 00. There are several GSM 900 and 1800 mobile networks in operation, providing fair coverage, concentrated in urban areas. Internet cafes also exist in the main towns and cities.

Duty Free

Passengers arriving in Pakistan over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g tobacco; 250ml eau de toilette and perfume, provided that not more than 125ml of that is perfume; gifts and/souvenirs up to the value of Pr2,000. Non-residents do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g tobacco; 250ml perfumed spirits and eau de toilette; gifts and souvenirs to the value of Pr2,000. The import of alcohol is strictly prohibited for both residents and non-residents regardless of nationality. Other prohibited items include matches, fruits, plants and plant material.

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