Pakistan is an Islamic Republic and its capital is Islamabad. Pakistan has four provinces: Baluchistan, North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab and Sindh. Their respective capitals are: Quetta, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi. In addition to these provinces is the Federally Administered Northern Area (FANA), which is divided into the districts of Diamer, Ghanche, Ghizer, Gilgit and Skardu. There are also seven Federally Administered Tribal Areas. (FATA)
Pakistan has a federal structure. Parliament consists of the Lower House (National Assembly) and the Upper House (Senate). Members of the National Assembly are directly elected and their term of office is five years. The National Assembly determines the major policy issues and passes an annual budget and legislation. . It elects the Prime Minister from among its members.
The Prime Minister forms the cabinet from among members of the Assembly and the Senate. Provinces have their own elected legislative assemblies and Chief Ministers. The Provincial Assemblies elect the majority of the members of the Upper House.
BUSINESS HOURS
Banks: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 9.00 a.m. until 1.00 p.m., Friday 9.00 am.-
12 noon.
Government Offices: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.,
Friday 8.30 a.m. until midday.
Private Businesses: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m., Friday
9.00 a.m. until midday. Sunday is a weekly holiday in Pakistan. It should be noted that
shorter working hours are observed during Ramadan (fasting month).
CURRENCY
The basic unit of currency is the Rupee, which is divided into 100 paisa. Currency notes
of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees are currently in use. Coins of 5, 10,25, 50
paisas and 1 rupee are in circulation.
DRESS CODE
Visitors should remember that Pakistan is a Muslim country and dress accordingly. Shorts,
in general, are inappropriate for men and women. Also, women should wear long skirts and
long sleeved tops.
DRINKING WATER
Tap Water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is available at major towns and most tourist
attractions.
DRIVING
Cars in Pakistan drive on the Left side. International or national licenses are valid and
all cars must be insured and registered. The minimum driving age is 18 years. The speed
limit is 65 kph on most roads.
CAR RENTAL: Private cars for hire (with a driver) are available from rent-a-car companies
and Tourist Information Centers. Cars without drivers, however, are more difficult to hire
as a personal or cash guarantee is required.
ECONOMY
Pakistan's major exports include raw cotton and cotton products, rice, fish and fish
products, carpets and rugs, leather and leather goods, sports and surgical goods. Major
imports include tea, petroleum and its products, edible oils, chemical fertilizers, milk
and milk foods, agricultural machinery, transport equipment, medicines, iron and steel.
Pakistan's major trading partners are the USA, Japan, Germany, and UK. Hong Kong, Saudi
Arabia and China.
ELECTRICITY
220 V. 50 Hz AC.
EMERGENCY
Police: Tel: 15 (in most cities)
Fire: Tel: 16
Ambulance: Tel: 115
Export Restrictions for Tourists Leaving:
Foreign tourists can export precious stones or jewelry (except gold jewelry) up to a value
of Rs.2000 without any permission or duty.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are required for travelers arriving from endemic
zones. Vaccination against cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and polio is recommended. A malaria
risk exists in Pakistan throughout the year in areas below 2000 metres. All foreigners
coming to stay in Pakistan for over one year, require an AIDs-free certificate.
LANGUAGES
The national language is Urdu, while the official language is English. Some of the main
regional languages include Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi and Pushto.
LIQUOR
The import of liquor is not allowed. However, if somebody brings in some quantity by
mistake they should declare it to the Customs Officer who shall detail the liquor against
a receipt and it will be returned to the tourist on departure from Pakistan. Non-Muslim
foreign tourists can purchase liquor from an authorized vendor in Pakistan (usually a
five- or four-star hotel) against a permit. This permit can be obtained from the Excise
and Taxation Officer of the respective area. Hotels having a liquor vending license can
also sell liquor to non-Muslim foreign tourists staying in the hotel. Be aware that
drinking in public places is prohibited.
POPULATION
Pakistan has a Population of over 130 million. At present, the growth rate is 2.8 percent
per annum. The major cities are Karachi (10 million. Lahore (5.5 million). Faisalabad (2
million), Rawalpindi (928,000), Hyderabad (800,000), Islamabad (340,286).
RAILWAYS
Pakistan Railways in all classes allows a 25 percent concession foreign tourists (both for
groups and individuals). This concession is allowed on production of a recommendation
certificate by any PTDC Tourist Information Center and original passport, to the
Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways (at Karachi, Quetta. Lahore, Sukkur,
Multan, Peshawar and Rawalpindi and Station Masters of other principal stations). Foreign
students are allowed 50 percent concession on Pakistan Railways on production of PTDC
certificate, Student Card and their passport.
RELIGION
Muslim (97%), Hindu (1.5%), Christian (1%) and several other minorities.
TELEPHONE INFORMATION AND CODES
Country Code:+92
Faisalabad: 411, Hyderahad: 221. Islamabad: 51, Karachi: 21, Lahore: 42, Multan: 61,
Rawalpindi: 51, Gilgit : 572, Skardu: 575. Peshawar: 521. Outgoing calls can be made via
an operator or from ISD Public Call Offices (PCO). For internal calls, Card Phone booths
are installed at main business streets in most cities and towns. Public telephone, telex
and fax facilities are available at the Customers Service Centers (CSC) or in general
stores and shops, identified by a sign displaying 'PCO' on green boards.
TIME ZONE
Pakistan Standard Time is GMT plus 5 hours. It gets dark at about 5 p.m. in winter and
around 7.30 p.m. in summer.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The metric system is used as the official system of weights and measures in Pakistan.