From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching are a few activities, which entice the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.
Situated in the heart of the South Asian sub-continent, it is a country with its own fascinating history and cultural heritage. Pakistan was the site for one of the world's earliest human settlements, the great prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization, the crucible of ancient empires, religions and cultures. Pakistan traces its history back to 2,500 years B.C. when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley. Excavations at Harappa, Moenjodaro, Kot Diji and Mehr Garh have brought to light, the evidence of an advanced civilization existing even in more ancient times.
Total Population: 130.58 million Growth Rate: 2.61% per annum.
Density: 164 persons per sq.km.
National Language: Urdu Official Language: English
Main Regional Languages: Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and Pashto.
Other Regional Languages: Balti, Shina, Brushuski, Chitrali, Kalashi, Kohistani, Hindko, Pothohari, Kashmiri, Gojri, Brahuvi, Saraiki etc.
Basic unit of currency is Rupee which divides into 100 paisa. Currency notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Rupee are in use. Coins of five, two and one Rupee are in circulation.
Pakistan observes floating exchange rate system. US$ 1 = Rs.60.15 (August 2006). Master, Visa and AMEX credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and towns. Travellers Cheques are accepted at banks, 4 and 5-star hotels and major shops.
Pakistan Standard Time is GMT plus 5 hours. It gets dark at about 5 p.m. in winter and at 7.30 p.m. in summer.
All traffic in Pakistan runs on the left side. International driving licence is also valid. All vehicles must be insured and registered. Minimum age for driving is 18 years. Speed limit is 100 km/h on Highways and 120 km/h on Motorways.
Postcards: Approx. US$ 0.37. Airmail letters from US$ 0.41, depending on weight. Mail boxes are red. Several fast postal services are provided by Pakistan Post Office. A number of private Courier Services are also working in Pakistan for speedy delivery of letters and documents.
Bank, car rental, tourist information, duty free shop, restaurant, hotel reservation booths, post office and public call office facilities are available at Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar International Airports.
i) Quaid -e- Azam International Airport: 14 km northeast of Karachi, Taxi takes 20 minutes (approx. US$ 7 to city centre). Public bus charge approx. US$ 0.25 per person for 01 hour ride.
ii) Islamabad International Airport: 20 km east of Islamabad, Taxi takes 25 minutes (approx US$ 7 to the city centre). Airport Van No.111 brings to Islamabad central and charges approx. US$ 0.25 per person for 01 hour ride.
