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Capital: Islamabad
Altitude: 350 m
Time: Local time is GMT +5
Electricity: Electrical
current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two- or three-pin
plugs are used.
Language: Urdu is the
official language, but English is widely spoken and
understood. There are also several regional
languages and local dialects.
Tipping: The larger hotels
and restaurants add a service charge of 10% to their
bills otherwise tipping is not customary in
Pakistan. Baksheesh, however, helps get things done
more quickly.
Customs: Pakistan is a
strict Muslim state and therefore alcohol and pork
products are forbidden by law. Homosexuality is
illegal. 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. 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.
Business: In Pakistan,
third party introductions are vital to doing
business successfully. Building up good working
relations and a level of trust is vital and plenty
of time will be spent socialising and getting to
know each other. Face to face dealings are
imperative and meetings are usually conducted
somewhat formally. Communication may be somewhat
frustrating as Pakistanis can approach things in a
round about manner, although English is widely
spoken and understood. Bureaucracy can also hold up
any deals. Punctuality is important, although
meetings might not begin on time and business cards
are usually exchanged on greetings. Greetings should
be between same sexes only. Business attire is
usually formal, and women in particular should dress
conservatively. The majority of Pakistanis are
Muslim and therefore one should be mindful of
Islamic custom, for instance only accept, give or
eat using the right hand. Affection between opposite
sexes is not shown in public. Business hours are
usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and Saturdays.
Some businesses are open until 12.30pm on Fridays.
Communications: The
International Direct 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. 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 Pr2,000.
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 Pr2,000. 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
Health &
vaccinations require to travel to Pakistan:
Yellow fever: A yellow
fever vaccination certificate is required from
travellers coming 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 that she was vaccinated before the
birth of the child. The countries and areas included
in the endemic zones are considered as infected
areas.
Malaria: Malaria risk
exists throughout the year in the whole country
below 2000 m. P. falciparum resistant to chloroquine
and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine reported. |
