Pakistan - basics - Countries Guide

Safety: There is a serious threat of terrorism in Pakistan, particularly in major cities where suicide bombings, kidnappings and murders have taken place, often injuring or killing innocent bystanders. Foreigners of Western origin are particularly likely to be targets for terrorists, including kidnapping. Since January 2007 there has been an increase in attacks and suicide bombings targeting foreign hangouts as well as the authorities. Crime is also high, as are incidents of sectarian attacks and tribal killings. It is also recommended that visitors avoid places of worship during busy prayer times and festivals. Particular care should be taken if visiting Karachi, as well as Peshawar, due to recent bombings. Visitors of visibly Western origin are advised to avoid hanging around public places and to be particularly vigilant in areas frequented by foreigners. Travellers should keep up to date with the latest travel advisories regarding Pakistan before and during a visit. Currently holiday visits are not advised, and only necessary business travel or visits to family should be contemplated. Kashmir in the north is regarded as particularly dangerous with a high incidence of lawlessness and militant activity. It is recommended that all travel to Waziristan, as well as to northern and western Baluchistan, be avoided, and all but essential travel to the Sui area, the Swat Valley in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies (FATA), and to the border areas except for official crossing points, be undertaken. Travel by bus and train in Baluchistan should also be avoided due to repeated bomb plants. Visitors should also avoid the centre of Gilgit, as sectarian tension is high at present; access to Gilgit should be by air only. It is recommended that road travel along the Karakoram Highway to and from Islamabad should be undertaken only during daylight hours.

Customs: Pakistan is a strict Muslim state and religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal. It is considered offensive to give, receive or eat with the left hand. Affection between opposite sexes is not shown in public. Women, in particular, are expected to dress and behave decorously in public; even in the large cities shoulders and legs should be covered, and men should not wear shorts. Westerners should expect to be stared at - this is not considered rude in Pakistan, and is purely because you are new and different. Do not take photographs at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure.

Communications: The international dialling code for Pakistan is +92. The outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g.0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)51 for Islamabad, (0)21 for Karachi. There are several GSM 900 and 1800 mobile networks in operation, providing fair coverage, concentrated in urban areas. Internet cafes also exist in the main towns and cities.

Duty Free: Passengers arriving in Pakistan over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g tobacco; 250ml eau de toilette and perfume, provided that not more than 125ml of that is perfume; gifts and/souvenirs up to the value of Rs.2,000. Non-residents do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g tobacco; 250ml perfumed spirits and eau de toilette; gifts and souvenirs to the value of Rs.2,000. The import of alcohol is strictly prohibited for both residents and non-residents regardless of nationality. Other prohibited items include matches, fruits, plants and plant material.

Climate: Pakistan's climate is varied because of the difference in elevation from one end of the country to another. During the summer months from April to September the mountainous north is pleasant and temperate, but the Indus Valley swelters in temperatures of 100ºF (40ºC) or more. In late summer the southern region experiences monsoons, particularly along the coast. In winter the low-lying areas cool down appreciably to average temperatures of between 50ºF and 70ºF (10ºC to 25ºC), while the northern mountains ice up with the air well below freezing.