Facts about Pakistan

Land & people

Area: 796,095 sq km
Population (July 2005 est.): 162.42 million
Capital: Islamabad
Languages: Urdu (national language) and English (official language). Main regional languages include Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and Pashto
GDP per capita (2005 est.): $2,400 (about Dh8,814)

A South Asian country, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is nearly four times the size of the United Kingdom. It shares an eastern border with India and a northeastern border with China. Iran makes up the country's southwest border and Afghanistan lies along its western and northern edge.

Pakistan is home to sites that date back to the world's earliest settlements. It is also a land of much splendour. The scenery changes northward from coastal beaches, lagoons and mangrove swamps in the south to deserts, desolate plateaus, fertile plains, divided upland in the middle and high mountains with beautiful valleys, snow-covered peaks and eternal glaciers in the north.

The variety of landscape divides the country into six major regions: the North High Mountainous Region, Western Low Mountainous Region, Baluchistan Plateau, Potohar Uplands, Punjab and Sindh Plains. The country's provinces include North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

A special interest destination, Pakistan offers attractions such as adventure tourism in the Northern areas, cultural and archeological tourism as found in Taxila, Moenjodaro, Harrappa, and early Muslim and Mughal heritage in Multan, Lahore, Thatta, Peshawar and Swat. Birdwatching jeep safaris, desert safaris, trekking and mountaineering are other specialised activities on offer.

Useful addresses

- Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, P.O. Box 846, Abu Dhabi. Tel: 02-4447800; Fax: 02-4447172
- Consulate General of Pakistan, P.O. Box 340, Dubai. Tel: 04-3973600; Fax: 04-3971975

Passport/visa

Visitors to the country need a valid passport and visa. For more information on entry requirements it's advisable to contact the nearest Pakistan embassy, consulate or high commission.

Money matters

Credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in the country. It's advisable to carry traveller's cheques in dollars or pounds sterling, which are accepted by several banks, deluxe hotels and major shops.

When to go

Pakistan enjoys a considerable measure of variety weather-wise. North and northwestern high mountainous ranges are extremely cold in winter while the summer months of April to September are pleasant. The plains of the Indus valley are extremely hot in summer with a cold and dry weather in winter. The ideal time to visit the country is from September to March.

Getting there

Most flights from Europe and Asia arrive in Karachi. Some airlines also go to Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Gwadar in Baluchistan. The state-owned Pakistan International (PIA) offers direct flights from many Mediterranean and European cities, as well as New York, Toronto and Nairobi.

PIA also runs a Far East network from Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Jakarta.

Accommodation

Whether you're in Pakistan as a tourist or business traveller, you'll find accommodation to suit your taste. Visitors will find large hotel chains such as Pearl Continental, Sheraton, Marriott, Serena and Avari Hotels of Pakistan offering excellent standards of luxury and comfort. Other modes of accommodation include official Dak bungalows and rest houses at the hill stations and valleys, youth hostels, etc. Also there are several reasonably priced hotels and motels countrywide, operated by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC).

Shopping

The country is a treasure house of exquisite handicrafts. Here pottery is a traditional craft that became an art, with its origins dating back to 3,000 BC. Each region claims its own special jars and jugs in vivid colours, from sturdy terracotta to paper-thin ceramics. Other merchandise worth buying includes embroidered items, carpets, marble, pottery, onyx, brass, reproductions of miniature paintings, woodcarvings and inlaid woodwork, copper, fabrics, gold and silver jewellery.

Tipping

Restaurant bills may include service charge, or else you may need to tip about 10 per cent. Railway porters, waiters, drivers, etc expect tips.

GETTING AROUND
Flights of fantasy

Though not always comfortable, getting around the country is comparatively cheap. PIA has scheduled flights to several domestic cities and offers daily connections.

Flying is the best option to explore the spectacular landscapes of the northern areas and Chitral.

Bus services are available across the country. Buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and two-wheeled, horse-drawn tongas dominate city transport.

Other modes of road transport include vans, wagons, pick-ups and jeeps.

A slower and easier mode of travel is by train but there are no routes into the mountains.