Pakistan is located between 23.30 Degrees and 36.45 Degrees North latitude and 61 Degrees and 75.30 Degrees East longitude in the northern hemisphere in South-East Asia.The official name is Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The name Pakistan means Pure Land.
Pakistan borders Afghanistan in the north-west, Iran in the west, India in the east, China in the north-east and Arabian Sea in the south. In the north-west a narrow stretch of Afghan territory, known as the Wakhan corridor, separates it from the former U.S.S.R. Pakistan, thus shares its borders with Afghanistan for about 2,400 km. with Iran for about 850 km. and with India for about 1675 km. It has a very rich historical and cultural heritage. It offers a great variety of vistas which range southwards from the highest mountains of the world, to the hills of fairly high altitude towards the west. The northern region offers raging rivers, breathtaking valleys, snow covered peaks and massive glaciers. These scenes then stretch south-east into uplands and fertile plains in the middle, sandy desolate deserts and arid plateaus towards the south- sandy silver white sandy beaches, lagoons and mangrove swamps and sea in the far south.
Pakistan is made up of four main provinces: Punjab 205,344 Sq.Km. Sindh 140 914 Sq.Km. NWFP 74,521 Sq.Km. Baluchistan 347,190 Sq.Km.
History Pakistan has strong cultural and historical roots. Half a dozen civilizations have flourished here and left their imprints. Historically, Pakistan is one of the most ancient lands known to man. Its cities blossomed even before Babylon was built: its people practised the art of good living and citizenship long before the celebrated ancient Greeks.
The amazing history of Pakistan can be traced back to at least 2500 BC, when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley Area. Excavations have brought to light evidence of an advanced civilization existing even in the most ancient times. Pakistan owes its many influences to the countless visitors to the region. Around 1500 BC, the Aryans came and influenced the Hindu civilization; later, the Persians occupied the Northern regions from the 6th century BC up to the 2nd century AD, while the Greeks were also here, arriving in 327 BC with Alexander the Great of Macedonia.
In 712 AD, the Arabs set foot in what is now Pakistan somewhere near modern Karachi and ruled the lower half of Pakistan for two hundred years. It was during this time that Islam took roots in the soil and influenced the life, culture and traditions of the people. 300 years later the Muslims from Central Asia arrived and ruled almost the whole Subcontinent up to the 18th century AD before the British arrived to take control.
Weather Pakistan is divided into five distinct geographic regions: The Thar Desert and Lower Indus Valley in the south with arid valleys and rocky hills; The Baluchistan Plateau toward the west with elevation between 1,000 and 3,000 feet (300-900 meters) and covering nearly half the nation's territory; The Indus Basin, an irrigated agricultural area in the northeast; The Northwest Frontier, an area of barren mountains and irrigated valleys bordering Afghanistan; and The Far North with snowcapped mountains reaching high elevations.
Seasonal temperatures vary widely in these five regions. With the exception of the Far North, summers are hot throughout the country with temperatures ranging to 90-120°F (32-49°C) and little nighttime relief. Trade winds provide some relief during the hot and humid summers in Karachi and a brief cool season comes between December and February. In Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar a distinct winter season brings daytime temperatures of 60°F (16°C) or less, cold nights, and - in Islamabad and Peshawar - frequent morning frost does occur during the stark winter season. Altitude governs climate in the Far North, with pleasant summers in the lower regions and perpetual snow in the higher mountains.
The average annual rainfall varies from 6 inches (40 cm) in Karachi, 15 (38 cm) in Peshawar, 18 (46 cm) in Lahore, to about 30 (76 cm) in Islamabad. Most rain falls during the summer monsoon from July to September, although parts of the Northwest Frontier and the Indus Basin experience a moderate winter rainy season as well. Visa Requirements? 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.
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.
Food & 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-pasteurised 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-pasteurised 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.
Pakistan is located between 23.30 Degrees and 36.45 Degrees North latitude and 61 Degrees and 75.30 Degrees East longitude in the northern hemisphere in South-East Asia.The official name is Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The name Pakistan means Pure Land.