Land & people
Area: 796,095 sq km
Population (July 2006 est.): 165,803,560
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 Dh8,815).
Located in South Asia, Pakistan shares an eastern border with India and a northern-eastern border with China. Iran is on the country's southwest, and Afghanistan lies along its western and northern edge. The Arabian Sea forms the southern boundary with 1,064km coastline. From Gwadar Bay in its southeast, the country extends more than 1,800km to the Khunjerab Pass on China's border.
Administratively, Pakistan is divided into four provinces — Balochistan, North West Frontier Province, Punjab and Sindh, one territory — Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and one capital territory — Islamabad Capital Territory.
Main cities include Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Skardu, Gilgit, Bhurban, Chitral and Hyderabad.
Nature has blessed Pakistan with mountains, rivers, steppes and deserts. The country is endowed with a rich and varied flora and fauna. Most of the land is barren mountains and arid plateaus whereas the Himalayan, Hindukush and Karakorum Ranges occupy the northern part. The biggest rivers include Indus and Sutlej.
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
• Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (Information Service), P.O. Box 1465, Agha Khan Road, Islamabad, Pakistan. E-mail: tourism@comsats.net.pk, ptdc3@isb.paknet.com.pk, info@tourism.gov.pk,
support@tourism.gov.pk
Passport/visa
A valid passport and visa are needed to enter Paksitan. Tourists may contact the nearest Pakistan embassy/consulate or high commission for the latest information on entry requirements.
Cash/credit cards
Payments can be made either in hard currency or through traveller's cheques, ideally in dollars or pounds. All major hotels and shops in tourist centres, accept credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
When to go
Located on a great landmass north of the Tropic of Cancer, Pakistan has a continental climate, characterised by extreme variations of temperature. The four seasons are cold season (December to March); hot season (April to June); monsoon season (July to September); and post-monsoon season (October to November). Between September and March is ideal for tourists.
Getting ther
Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are the main gateways to Pakistan by air. Several international airlines fly to the country. Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar also have direct flights from the main Mediterranean, Middle East and European cities, as well as New York, Toronto and Nairobi. Pakistan International (PIA) is the official flag carrier.
Accommodation
Many deluxe hotels are located in major cities and tourist destinations. Another popular mode of stay are the PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation) Motels, which offer a high standard of facilities even in remote areas. Each location boasts a restaurant offering western and local cuisine. The rates for food and lodging at these motels are not only affordable but also competitive.
Shopping
Handicrafts can be purchased at specialised art workshops, bazaars and small shops at museums in various cities. Fine handicrafts such as carpets, leather items, embroidered work; ceramics, marble, copper items and wonderful woodwork are also available. For shopping aficionados, the prices are quite reasonable.
Cuisine
With a legacy of the culinary traditions of the Moghuls, Turks and Central Asians, Pakistan offers a rich and unique dining experience. Meat, including beef, chicken, and lamb seasoned with spices, is prominent in Pakistani cuisine. Various kinds of lentils (dal) and wheat form part of the daily diet. Popular dishes include biryani, pullao and nihari, chicken karahi, mutton korma, chicken korma, shab degh, chicken/mutton handi, sajji etc. Kebabs made out of lamb and chicken such as seekh kebab, shami kebab and chapli kabob (a speciality of Peshawar) are especially popular.
Pakistani sweets are often milk-based, such as phirnis, kheers, etc.
