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GENERAL INFO OF PAKISTAN |
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General Information of Pakistan Pakistan is located in the hub of the South Asian sub-continent, it is a home of rich historical and cultural heritage; interesting in its own way. Pakistan used to be the home to one of the globe's most-initial places where people had come to live and build homes, the great Indus Valley Civilization in the pre-historic era, the centre of old empires, religions and cultures. Strategically being located at the historical crossings, it connects Southeast Asia with Middle East and Iran in the West with accessibility to the landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics. This land has been a witness to the historical and civilization changes with immense impacts on its people as well as their language and culture.
Pakistan is situated between 24 and 37 degrees Latitudes and between 61 and 75.5 degrees Longitude. China in the North, Afghanistan and Iran in the West and India in the east are the surrounding countries. Arabian Sea lying in it's south having a coastline of 1000 kms length with fascinating beaches. Pakistan is connected with China via land by Karakoram Highway along the famous Silk Route. It is also linked with India by air and road. Afghanistan and Iran have air and road links with Pakistan.
 Nature has bestowed upon Pakistan the rare landscape, the towering mountains, plateau, plains, deserts and the attractive sunny beaches are also seen here. Over 50% of its area is mountainous, especially it's North and North Western parts which have very interesting mountains on the earth. Impressive remains of continents in collision, fifty million years ago, and an extremely large island bumped into the mainland Asia to bring into existence the South Asian Subcontinent and let the Himalayas tower skyward. Huge and mighty ranges like Karakoram, the Himalayas and the Hindukush meet here. Mountains of impressive and frightening heights, valleys of unique beauty, enriched with peaceful lakes of crystal clear blue water. Murmuring streams and springs and roaring rivers, most prominent the lion river "mighty Indus".
 Pakistan's large river, 2896 kms long "mighty Indus" emerges in the Southern Tibet and flows North West. Crossing through the Karakoram and Himalayas, it runs through Ladakh and Skardu valleys. It takes turn to South near Gilgit separating Hindukush and Himalayas. From Kalabagh, it flows southward and after twisting through the plains of Punjab and Sind discharges its waters into the Arabian Sea at a point near Karachi. Four smaller rivers being its tributaries namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej of course drain the plains of Punjab from East to Southwest before meeting the great Indus. There are number of small thundering rivers, especially in the mountainous region, which also flow into the Indus River.
Pakistan does trace its history back to at least 2,500 years before Christ. Then a very developed civilization had flourished in the Indus valley area. Excavations at Harrapa, Moejodaro and Kot Diji have unearthed the remains of an advance civilization which existed in most ancient times. In about 1,500 DC the Arayans did rule this region influencing the Hindu civilization and its center moved further eastward to the Ganges valley. Later on, the Persians occupied and held the Northern regions in the 5th century up to the 2nd Century BC. There are so many stupas and monasteries of the Gandhara civilization which have roots in the 6th Century. At that time it formed part of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia (518 to 330 BC). In 327 BC the Greeks arrived under Alexander the Great from Macedonia and then onwards it reigned under the successive rule of the Mauryans, the Bactrian Greeks, Scythians, Parthians, Kushanas and Sasanians until its final ruin by the White Huns in the 5th century AD. In 712 AD, the Arabs under the command of Mohammad Bin Qasim, after landing at the Southern coast near Karachi, ruled the lower regions of Pakistan for 200 years. During that period Islam taking roots inspired the life, culture and traditions of the people.
In the 10th Century AD the planned conquest of the, South Asian Subcontinent by the Muslims of the Central Asian origin happened. They ruled nearly whole of the Sub-continent by 18th Century. Then British took over reigns and continued to rule the Sub-continent for about 200 hundred years. The Muslim renaissance started towards the end of the last Century when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan; a reputed Muslim leader and educationist launched a campaign for the Muslim revival in Sub-continent. In 1930, the renowned poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal conceiving the idea of a separate and independent homeland for the Muslims of India. After seven years of relentless struggle under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan came into being and appeared on the Globe as a sovereign state on 14th August 1947. At that time the British India was divided into two independent states "India and Pakistan" as a result of partition.
Pakistan due to the rich historical and cultural heritage, different landscape with a vast range comprising the warm sea beaches, deserts, fertile plains and high mountain ranges with natural beauty in the world do make Pakistan a natural heavenly destination for tourists with different tastes.
You may be eager to know much from the richness of archaeological sites, breathe and rest at the warm beaches, cherish the local values and hospitality, or the folklores and dances, trekking and mountaineering altogether are available in a single country "Pakistan."
TOURS IN PAKISTAN
Sightseeing Tours: Pakistan is rich of history and natural beauty. A large number of tours we organize are for general tourists, we offer self-design itineraries, which can be modified as per client's test and interest. Most particularly our programs run to the Northern Areas of Pakistan and in general to whole of Pakistan and to its neighboring countries like China, India and now to Afghanistan. This may include Sightseeing Tours, Jeep Safari, Hike and Bike tour, Sightseeing plus short Trekking Tour.
Winter Tours: Pakistan is rich of history and natural beauty. South Pakistan is full of culture history, in winter the temperature is excellent. In winter we run Indus boating trip add by watching of Blind Indus Dolphin, Sightseeing of trips to Karachi, Multan, Lahore. Trophy Hunting of Ibex, Markhor, Marco Polo Sheep, in North Pakistan and Wild Boar hunting in South. We also organize skiing our most popular selling trip is skiing from Shimshal to Biafo Hispar Snow Lake via Khordopin Pass, Skim La, Mustagh Pass into Baltoro Glacier.
Spring Tours: Spring is welcome by most part of Pakistan with festival and celebrations, we follow these festival and celebration and draft an itinerary according to clients taste and requirements, our most popular spring trips are Hunza Valley Spring Tour, Kalash Valley Spring Festival, Kite Flying Festival in Lahore and Islamabad.
TREKKING IN PAKISTAN
Stretching north from the Arabian Sea, the plains of Pakistan culminate in the lush valleys of Dir, Swat, and Kaghan. Beyond lie the great Northern valleys of Chitral, Gilgit, Hunza, and Baltistan. Separating the two river systems, which drain from these valleys is a mountain range, a chain of mountains, which forms one of the sharpest cultural boundaries in the world; the cultural line between Central Asian countries and Pakistan. Still further north, the Karakoram and Hindukush ranges shape the western extensions of the Himalayas.
's Northern valleys exhibit the diversity one would expect of a boundary area. In the east, Baltistan shows an affinity with Tibet. In fact, its language is a dialect of archaic Tibetan and many remnants of Tibetan culture can still be observed here. In the Gilgit region, Shina is the dominant language. Gilgit's most prominent contribution to the area seems to be the Gilgit cap worn throughout most of Northern Pakistan. To the North, legendary Hunza confirms its reputation as one of the world's great mountain communities. Its language - Burushaski - seems unrelated to any other and its origins remain a mystery. Like Chitral to the West, Hunza manifests its age-old contact with Central Asia, the consequence of lying abreast of the caravan routes that spread southwards from the mountain passes. Within the borders of Chitral are the Kafir valleys of Birir, Rambur and Bamburet. In a nation that is almost entirely Muslim, the kafirs are unique; they are pagans with their own very original beliefs, customs and art forms.
The land in these Northern valleys is best described as a mountainous desert. During winter, heavy snow separates the valleys from the rest of the world for six months. In the summer, temperatures over 100 degrees are common. In Skardu, one is immediately struck by the juxta - position of sand dunes and snow-capped peaks.
All these beautiful valleys mentioned above make Pakistan really a trekker's paradise. One of the most popular treks is the Baltoro trek, which ends up at Concordia. Concordia is the point where all the Glaciers coming from K2, Broad peak, and Gasherbrum IV meet and flow down towards Paiju peak, like a highway. Nowhere in the world can witness four 8000 meter peaks in such small radius. They are K2, Broad peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. On this trek, besides these 8000 meter giants one can enjoy the scenarios of Masherbrum, Muztagh towers, Chogolisa, Baltoro Cathedrals and numerous other peaks.
Amongst the other popular treks there are Biafo Hisper trek, Nanga Parbat trek, Rakaposhi trek, Trichmir trek, and countless other trekking routes. Pakistan has five above 8000 meter peaks out of the fourteen including the second highest peak in the world, K2. We have biggest glaciers out of the popular region, like Batura, Baltoro, Biafo, and Hisper glaciers. There are still certain areas in Pakistan yet to be explored and this virgin land is waiting to be explored.
MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS (MOUNTAINEERING)
Pakistan is the hub of the World's Greatest Mountain Chains. The Karakoram, Himalaya, Hindu-Kush and the Pamir. These Mountains are the walls that form Pakistan's long and carefully guarded frontiers with China, India, Afghanistan and across the narrow Wakhan Corridor towards Central Asia. The Karakoram and Himalaya are the newest mountains in the World. About 55 million years ago, the northward drifting Indian geological plate collided with the Asian Plate, its northern edge nosing underneath the Asian Plate and pushing up the mountains.
The Indian Plate is still driving northwards at about five centimeters (two inches) per year, causing the mountains to rise about seven millimeters (1/4th inch) in the same period. Pakistan has the largest concentration of high mountains in the World. There are more than 100 peaks over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) are within a radius of 180 kilometers. The statistics are amazing. The K2 (8,611 meters) is the second highest on Planet Earth and is situated in the Karakoram. The five above 8,000 meter peaks out of the World's fourteen (14) 8,000 meter peaks are in Pakistan. Peaks above 3,000 to 6,000 meters are countless and remain unclimbed and unnamed. Out of 100 highest peaks in the world, more than 50 are in Pakistan.
FESTIVALS IS PAKISTAN
Shab-e-Barat:
Religious festival celebrated on 14th of Shaaban, the 8th Islamic month. Prayers, fire works, exchange of sweet dishes and visits.
Eid-ul-Fitr:
Religious festival celebrating end of fasting month on 1st of Shawwal, the 10th month of Islamic Calendar. Special prayer after sun-rise, exchange of sweet dishes, visits.
Sibi Festival: (Last week of February)
At Sibi (Balochistan). Traditional sports, handicrafts exhibition, folk music and dances.
Sindh Horse & Cattle Show: (Last week of February)
At Jacobabad (Sindh). Similar activities as in Sibi Festival.
Jashan-e-Larkana: (Last week of February) At Larkana (Sindh).
Traditional sports, exhibition of handicrafts, folk music and dances.
Bassant
With the advent of spring Basant Festival is celebrated with pomp and show in mid February every year in Lahore. In other words this is the spring festival.
Alleging that kite flying is a Hindu event is also sheer ignorance. The sport originated in China about 5000 years ago, when Hinduism was in non existent. Why single out kite-flying then, especially when it is a source of joy for the old and the young men and women? The simple reason is that Hindu at Basant Festival fly kites for enjoying Basant. With times Muslims who were living together with Hindus in the sub-continent also join them in kite-flying. Since then Muslims are taking participation in just kite-flying at the time of Basant connotating it as Pala Urant. Nowadays people of Lahore enjoy it by kite flying competition and by visiting the shrine of Saint Madho Lal Hussein, where they assemble to pay their benediction.
Lahore is becoming the main focal point for the celebration of this festival in Pakistan. People traditionally fly kites on the roofs of their buildings. It is commonly observed that rest houses, hotels and house of relatives of the participants are fully packed with guests from all over the country. Moreover some five star hotels also arrange this function on their roof top for foreigners and other high class gentry. They also arrange variety of dishes with musical concert. Sometimes Lahorities on this occasion become emotional and in this state create law and order problems for the administration. Some of them use metal thread for kite-flying. Such a deed often imposes, besides life threat, a serious problem for WAPDA when the thread touches the live wires.
Inspite of the fact Basant Festival which has no links with the Muslim culture is becoming very popular and being celebrated in Lahore regularly every year with zeal and fervent.
Celebrated only in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and Chitral. Polo, foot-ball, volley-ball and hockey matches, folk dances and music.
(23 March)
Commemorating the anniversary of Pakistan Resolution passed on March 23, 1940. Military parade at provincial capitals and Islamabad.
Mela Chiraghan (Festival of lamps): (Last week of March)
Held for 01 week outside Shalimar Gardens, Lahore.
Horse & Cattle Show: (End of March till 1st week of April).
At Dera Ismail Khan. Local games, folk dances, music, cattle races and exhibition of local handicrafts.
Jashan-e-Shikarpur: (In April for 01 week)
At Shikarpur, Sindh. Cultural activities, local sports and handicrafts exhibition.
Eid-ul-Azha :
Religious festival commemorating the great sacrifice offered by Prophet Abraham. Celebrated on 10 Zilhaj, 12th month of Islamic Calendar. Collective prayers after sun set, sacrifice of goats, sheep, cows or camels and distribution of meat among relatives, friends and poor.
Joshi or Chilimjusht: (14-15 May)
Kalash festival of welcoming spring, held in Kalash Valleys near Chitral. Folk dances, music and exchange of dishes.
Shandur Polo Festival
Traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit is being held on the highest polo ground of the world - The Shandur Pass (Chitral district). Allied activities include fold music, folk dances and other competitions. A tent village along Shandur Lake will be set up in cooperation with the local administration.
Utchal: (15-16 July)
A harvest festival, celebrated by Kalash people in Kalash Valleys, Chitral.
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi :
Birth Anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (P.B.U.H). On 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal - the 3rd month of Islamic Calendar.
Independence Day : (14 August)
Meeting, processions, rallies, decorations and illustrations all over the country.
Defense of Pakistan Day: (06 September)
Parades and exhibitions of military equipment at Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. Visits to the war memorials. (No national holiday except Armed Forces)
Air force Day: (07 September)
Display of latest aircraft of Pakistan Air force and air shows at Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.
Phool: (20 - 25 September)
Held in Kalash Valleys near Chitral. Reaping grapes and walnuts, dancing and singing.
Lok Mela: (1st week of October, for one week)
Folk Festival held at Islamabad. Folk Music, songs, music contests, folk dances, craftsmen at work, exhibition and sale of handicrafts. The festival presents a unique opportunity to watch the culture and craft of the whole country at one place.
Chowmas: (18-21 October)
Held in Kalash Valleys near Chitral. Welcoming of winter with first snow-fall. Activities restrict to indoor.
Karakoram Car Rally:
A colorful closing/award giving ceremony was held in Hunza Valley. Prizes, shields, certificates were distributed among the ralliers. SAF-International Karakoram Car Rally was also planned for year 2001, but it was postponed. International Karakoram Car Rally has been proposed to be held during the month of November in 2002 as part of the International Year of Mountains celebrations
Birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal: .(09 November)
National Poet.
National Industrial Exhibition Islamabad:
Exhibition and sale of Pakistan's industrial products and handicraft items
National Industrial Exhibition Lahore:
(3rd week of November for 15 days)
Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Exhibition and sale of industrial products and handicrafts of Pakistan.
National Horse & Cattle Show Lahore:
(3rd week of November for 05 days )
Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Cattle races, cattle dances, tent-pegging, tattoo show, folk music, dances, bands, cultural floats and folk games.
The show has been described as an eloquent expression of Pakistan's heritage and an authentic account of its agricultural and industrial achievement's. It is held in Lahore Fortress stadium at the end of February or at First week of March. The fortress stadium, the venue of the show is thronged by active participants, foreign visitors and peoples who watch the festival with great enthusiasm, verve and aplomb.
A large number of them are interested in watching and appreciating the best breeds of livestock. Many derive pleasure by watching other activities such as display parade of animals, dances by horses and camels, polo matches, tent pegging, dog shows and their races, vaudeville acts of stuntmen, mass display of military band, rhythmically physical exercise by the children.
Tastefully decorated industrial floats and torch light tattoo shows. Additional attractions include a subtle interplay of lights to weave enticing patterns at night and breathtaking acts by foreign groups. The show began as a modest exhibition organized by the army to project the cattle wealth of the country in the early fifties.
Today it is an international event to which come dignitaries from abroad and visitors and foreign tourists. The organizing committee comprises representatives of a number of agencies including army, rangers, LMC schools, the police, industrialists and the art councils.
Christmas and Birth Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam: (25 December)
GENERAL INFORMATION OF PAKISTAN
Official Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Father of the Nation: Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948)
National Poet: Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938)
Head of the State: General Pervez Musharraf, President
Head of Government: Shaukat Aziz , Prime Minister
Capital: Islamabad
Area Total: 796,095 Sq. km.
Punjab: 205,344 Sq. km.
Sindh: 140,914 Sq. km.
North West Frontier Province: 74,521 Sq. km.
Balochistan: 347,190 Sq. km.
Federally Administered Tribal Areas: 27,220 Sq. km.
Islamabad (Capital): 906 Sq. km.
Population: 153.96 million (Estimated)
Administrative Setup: Pakistan is divided into four provinces viz., North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. The tribal belt adjoining NWFP is managed by the Federal Government and is named FATA i.e., Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas have their own respective political and administrative machinery, yet certain of their subjects are taken care of by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas. Provinces of Pakistan are further divided into Divisions and Districts
Divisions Districts
NWFP 7 24
Punjab 8 34
Sindh 5 21
Balochistan 6 22
While FATA consist of 13 Areas/Agencies and Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas have 7 and 5 Districts respectively.
Religion: 95% Muslims, 5% others.
Annual Per capita income: US $736
GDP: 8.4%
Currency: Pak. Rupee.
Imports: Industrial equipment, chemicals, vehicles, steel, iron ore, petroleum, edible oil, pulses, tea.
Exports: Cotton, textile goods, rice, leather items carpets, sports goods, handi-crafts, fish and fish prep. and fruit
Languages: Urdu (National) and English (Official)
Literacy rate: 53%
Government: Parliamentary form
Parliament: Parliament consists of two Houses i.e., the Senate (Upper House) and the National Assembly (Lower House).
The Senate is a permanent legislative body and symbolizes a process of continuity in the national affairs. It consists of 100 members. The four Provincial Assemblies, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Federal Capital form its electoral college.
The National Assembly has a total membership of 342 elected through adult suffrage (272 general seats, 60 women seats and 10 non-Muslim seats).
Pakistan National Flag: Dark green with a white vertical bar, a white crescent and a five-pointed star in the middle. The Flag symbolizes Pakistan's profound commitment to Islam, the Islamic world and the rights of religious minorities.
National Anthem: Approved in August, 1954
Verses Composed by: Abdul Asar Hafeez Jullundhri
Tune Composed by: Ahmed G. Chagla
Duration: 80 seconds
State Emblem: The State Emblem consists of:
1. The crescent and star which are symbols of Islam
2. The shield in the centre shows four major crops
3. Wreath surrounding the shield represents cultural heritage and
4. Scroll contains Quaid's motto: Unity Faith, Discipline
Pakistan's Official Map: Drawn by Mian Mahmood Alam Suhrawardy (1920-1999)
National Flower: Jasmine.
National Tree: Deodar (Cedrus Deodara).
National Animal: Markhor.
National Bird: Chakor (Red-legged partridge)
Flora: Pine, Oak, Poplar, Deodar, Maple, Mulberry
Fauna: The Pheasant, Leopard, Deer, Ibex, Chinkara, Black buck, Neelgai, Markhor, Marco-Polo sheep, Green turtles, River & Sea fish, Crocodile, Waterfowls
Popular games: Cricket, Hockey, Football, Squash.
Tourist's resorts Murree, Quetta, Hunza, Ziarat, Swat, Kaghan, Chitral and Gilgit
Archaeological sites: Moenjo Daro, Harappa, Taxila, Kot Diji, Mehr Garh, Takht Bhai.
Major Cities: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Multan and Sialkot
Major Crops: Cotton, Wheat, Rice and Sugarcane
Agricultural Growth Rate: 7.5% in 2004-05
Total cropped area: 22.94 million hectares
Industry: Textiles, Cement, Fertilizer, Steel, Sugar, Electric Goods, Shipbuilding
Energy: Major sources Electricity (Hydel, Thermal, Nuclear) Oil, Coal, and Liquid Petroleum Gas
Power Generating Capacity: 19,389 MW
Health
Hospitals 916
Dispensaries 4,600
Basic Health Units (BHUs) 5,301
Maternity & Child Health Centres 906
Rural Health Centres (RHCs) 552
Tuberculosis (TB) Centres 289
Hospital Beds 99,908
Doctors (registered) 113,206
Dentists (registered) 6,127
Nurses (registered) 48,446
Paramedics 23,559
Lady Health Workers 6,741
Education:
Primary Schools 155,000
Middle Schools 28,728
High Schools 16,100
Secondary Vocational Institutions 636
Arts & Science Colleges 1,066
Professional Colleges 382
Universities 51
Transport & Communication:
Total length of roads: 259, 758 km
Pakistan Railway network: 7,791 km
Locomotives: 580
Railway stations: 781
Pakistan International Airlines: Covers 38 international and 24 domestic stations with a fleet of 49 planes.
Major Airports: 8 (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad and Gwadar)
Seaports: International 2 (Karachi and Bin Qasim) Gwadar deep sear port is under construction
Fish Harbours-Cum-Mini Ports: 3 (Minora, Gawadar, and Keti Bandar)
Communications:
Post Offices 12,170
Telephone connections 5,052,000
Public Call Offices 217,597
Telegraph offices 299
Internet Connections 2 million
Mobile Phones 10,542,641
Employment:
Total Labour force 46.84 million
Employed Labour Force 43.22 million
Agriculture Sector 18.60 million
Manufacturing & Mining sector 05.96 million
Construction 02.52 million
Trade 06.39 million
Transport 02.48 million
Others 06.98 million
Media:
Print Media (In accordance with Central Media List)
Dailies 540
Weeklies 444
Fortnightlies 55
Monthlies 268
News Agencies
Official: APP
Private: PPI, NNI, On Line and Sana.
Electronic Media:
TV Centres: Five TV centres at Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi covering 88.58% population and 49 re-broadcasting stations.
Pakistan Television 4 channels: (PTV-I, PTV-II (PTV World), PTV-III & PTV National
Radio Stations Public: Total 25, Home services in 19 languages. External Services cover 81 countries in 15 languages
Private: Radio stations 22.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has so far awarded 72 FM Radio broadcast licenses including nine (9) specialized subject licenses for universities. Fifteen (15) licenses have been granted for the establishment of Satellite TV Channels. Nine Satellite TV channels have started their operation.
Cable Operators: 900
Banks:
Central Bank: State Bank of Pakistan
Nationalized Scheduled Banks:
First Woman Bank Ltd.
National Bank of Pakistan
Specialized Banks
Zari Taraqiati Bank (ZTBL)
Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan
Punjab Provincial Cooperative Bank Ltd
Private Scheduled Banks
Askari Commercial Bank Limited
Bank Al-Falah Limited
Bolan Bank Limited
Faysal Bank Limited
Bank Al-Habib Limited
Metropolitan Bank Limited
KASB Commercial Bank Limited
Prime Commercial Bank Limited
PICIC Commercial Bank Limited
Soneri Bank Limited
Union Bank Limited
Meezan Bank Limited
Saudi-Pak Commercial Bank Limited
Crescent Commercial Bank Limited
Dawood Bank Limited
NDLC-IFIC Bank Limited (NIB)
Allied Bank of Pakistan Limited
United Bank Limited
Habib Bank Limited
SME Banks
Foreign Banks
ABN Amro Bank N.V
Albaraka Islamic Bank BSC (EC)
American Expresss Bank Limited
Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi Limited
Citibank N.A
Deutsche Bank A.G.
Habib Bank A.G. Zurich
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp Limited
Oman International Bank S.O.A.G
Rupali Bank Limited
Standard Chartered Bank Limited
Development Financial Institutions
Pakistan Industrial Credit and Investment Corp. Limited
Pak Kuwait Investment Company (Pvt) Limited
Pak Libya Holding Company (Pvt) Limited
Pak-Oman Investment Company (Pvt) Limited
Saudi Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company (Pvt) Limited
Investment Banks
Crescent Investment Bank Limited
First International Investment Bank Limited
Atlas Investment Bank Limited
Security Investment Bank Limited
Fidelity Investment Bank Limited
Prudential Investment Bank Limited
Islamic Investment Bank Limited
Asset Investment Bank Limited
Al-Towfeek Investment Bank Limited
Jahangir Siddiqui Investment Bank Limited
Franklin Investment Bank Limited
Orix Investment Bank (Pak) Limited
Famous Mountain Peaks Height World Rating
K-2 (Chagori) 8616 m 02nd
Nanga Parbat 8125 m 08th
Gasherbrum-I 8068 m 11th
Broad Peak 8065 m 12th
Gasherbrum-II 8047 m 14th
Gasherbrum-III 7952 m 05th
Gasherbrum-IV 7925 m 16th
Disteghil Sar 7885 m 20th
Kunyang Kish 7852 m 22nd
Masherbrum (NE) 7821 m 24th
Rakaposhi 7788 m 27th
Batura I 7785 m 28th
Kanjut Sar 7760 m 29th
Saltoro Kangri 7742 m 33rd
Trivor 7720 m 36th
Tirich Mir 7708 m 41st
Famous Mountain Passes
Location Province
The Khyber Pass NWFP
The Kurram Pass FATA
The Tochi Pass FATA
The Gomal Pass NWFP
The Bolan Pass Balochistan
The Lowari Pass Chitral (NWFP)
The Khunjrab Pass Northern Areas
Rivers Length
The Indus 2,896 km
Jhelum 825 km
Chenab 1,242 km
Ravi 901 km
Sutlej 1,551 km
Beas (tributary of Sutlej) 398 km
Famous Glaciers Length
Siachin 75 km
Batura 55 km
Baltoro 65 km
Deserts
Name Location/Province
Thar Sindh
Cholistan Punjab
Thal Punjab
Lakes
Name Location/Province
Manchar Sindh
Keenjar Sindh
Hanna Balochistan
Saif-ul-Maluk NWFP
Satpara Northern Areas
Kachura Northern Areas
Major Dams
Name Location/Province
Mangla Dam Punjab
Tarbela Dam NWFP
Warsak Dam NWFP
V isa
Who requires a visa?
Required by all except the following:
(a) holders of a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) regardless of nationality for unlimited stay;
(b) nationals of Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago for an unlimited period;
(c) nationals of Iceland, Maldives and Zambia for visits of up to a maximum of 3 months;
(d) nationals of Nepal and Samoa, and holders of Chinese passports issued in Hong Kong, for visits of up to 30 days;
(e) transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided they are holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport;
(f) holders of UN Laissez-passer.
Note: Visitors whose stay in Pakistan exceeds 30 days must report to the nearest Foreigners Registration Office for registration.
Note: Travellers are currently advised against travel to Pakistan until further notice unless there are compelling reasons to do so. Travel to the North West Frontier Province, Baluchistan and the Northern Areas are particularly ill advised.
Restricted entry and transit: The Government of Pakistan refuses entry to nationals of Israel, even for transit. Nationals of Afghanistan are refused entry if their passports or tickets show evidence of transit or boarding in India.
What documents will be required?
Passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay required by all.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section.
Application requirements: (a) Original valid passport, plus one photocopy. (b) One application form. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Confirmed return/onward ticket. (e) Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay. (f) Fee payable by cash or postal order only. (g) For business trips, a letter of invitation from a company in Pakistan.
Time required to issue visa:
Depends on nationality (in UK, visas are normally granted within 24-48 hours). Enquire at the nearest Consulate or Embassy. Pilgrim visas require 2 months processing time.
What is the cost of a visa?
Price of visa varies according to nationality. For UK nationals, prices are: Single-entry (£45); Double-entry (£60); Multiple-entry (£81). These prices are identical to those issued for the Visa for Media Professionals, which must be routed through the Information Division of the Pakistan High Commission. For Pakistanis holding dual nationality, prices are: Adult: (£24) Child (up to 18 years old): £12; valid for stays of up to 1 year. Applicants with parents holding Pakistani passports get the same concession, provided they produce the original detailed birth certificate and their parents' Pakistani passports. Pilgrim (Single-entry): £45. This is issued to those wishing to visit holy places (Shrines/Gurdawaras) in Pakistan and is allowed for groups of pilgrims, normally restricted to a specified period. Business: £68 (Single-entry); £90 (Double-entry); £122 (Multiple-entry). Certain nationals are issued visas free of charge, but they must be obtained prior to travel. For further information, consult the High Commission or Embassy.
How long is the visa valid for?
6 months from the date of issue for stays of up to 3 months. A multiple-entry visa allows six journeys in a total period not exceeding 1 year, with a maximum 3-month stay at any one time.
Other information:
1: Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of all travellers arriving within 6 days from any part of a country in which yellow fever is endemic. Infants under 6 months of age are exempt if the mother's vaccination certificate shows her to have been vaccinated prior to the child's birth. Countries and areas within the endemic zone are regarded as infected.
2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Pakistan. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix.
3: Vaccination against typhoid is advised.
4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year in all areas below 2000m (6560ft). The malignant falciparum strain is present and has been reported as chlorine-resistant.
F ood & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is non-pasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from non-pasteurized milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Hepatitis A and E occur and hepatitis B is endemic. Trachoma and typhoid fever are common. Between June and January, Japanese encephalitis is a risk in rural areas. Dengue fever may also occur.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: Medical facilities can be very limited. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.
Note: A certificate proving the visitor to be HIV-negative is required if planning on staying over 1 year in the country. |
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