Travellers are currently warned against travel to certain parts of Pakistan; these areas the northern and western areas of Baluchistan, the western area of the North West Frontier Province and the Fedreally Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies. The level of caution in these areas in subject to change and visitors are advised to contact their local government travel advice department prior to travel for the latest information.
Pakistan has borders with Afghanistan, India, Iran and the Arabian Sea. The terrain varies from rugged and mountainous to flat, alluvial plains. Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea near the mouth of the Indus. The streets are lively with hundreds of street restaurants, teahouses, samosa and juice stalls. Boats can be hired to sail out of the harbour. Lahore, in the Punjab, is a historic, bustling city with buildings of pink and white marble. There is plenty to see: bazaars, the Badshahi Mosque – one of the largest mosques in the world and an example of Moghul architecture rivalled only by the Taj Mahal. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan since 1963, and Rawalpindi, are both located on the Pothowar Plain. The old part of the town boasts fine examples of local architecture and the narrow streets are crammed with bazaars where craftsmen are still using traditional methods. The Northern Areas has some of the highest mountains in the world including the famous Nanga Parbat and second highest mountain in the world, K2. Pakistani cuisine is based on curry or masala (hot and spicy) sauces accompanying chicken, mutton, shrimps and a wide choice of vegetables. Cultural programmes of traditional music and dance can be seen and the Pakistani Arts Academy performs at various times during the year.

South Asia.

GMT + 5.

796,095 sq km (307,374 sq miles) excluding data for the disputed territories of Jammu and Kashmir.

161.1 million (UN, 2005).

202.36 per sq km.

Islamabad. Population: 800,000 (2005).

Pakistan has borders to the north with Afghanistan, to the east with India and to the west with Iran; the Arabian Sea lies to the south. In the northeast is the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, bounded by Afghanistan, China and India. Pakistan comprises distinct regions. The northern highlands – the Hindu Kush – are rugged and mountainous; the Indus Valley is a flat, alluvial plain with five major rivers dominating the upper region, eventually joining the Indus River and flowing south to the Makran coast; Sindh is bounded on the east by the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch, and on the west by the Kirthar Range; the Baluchistan Plateau is an arid tableland encircled by mountains.

Federal Islamic Republic since 1973. Gained independence from the UK in 1947. Head of State: President Pervez Musharraf since 2001. Head of Government: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz since 2004. Recent history: At home, the Musharraf Government sought to establish its popular legitimacy by holding elections for the National Assembly, as well as a referendum on his Presidency, in October 2002. These returned General Musharraf – now partially reinvented as a civilian President – while his supporters took control of the national assembly. However, his pro-American stance has made him extremely unpopular among parts of Pakistani society. In the last two years he has been the target of at least a dozen assassination attempts. Otherwise, his position appears reasonably secure for the time being. Until the emergence of a plausible untainted civilian political leader, Musharraf is probably the best that Pakistan can expect.
The legislature is the bicameral Majlis-I-Shura, comprising the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly has 342 members elected for a five-year term: 272 members are elected in single-seat constituencies; the remaining 70 are reserved for women and national minorities and are chosen by the political parties in proportion to their share of the directly elected seats. The Senate has 100 members selected by each of the four provincial Parliaments, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the federal capital.

Urdu is the national language. English is widely spoken. Regional languages include Punjabi, which is spoken by 48 per cent of the population (1981), Pushto, Sindhi, Saraiki, and Baluchi. There are numerous local dialects.

97 per cent Muslim, the remainder are Hindu or Christian.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two- or three-pin plugs are in use.

The right hand is used both for shaking hands (the usual form of greeting) and for passing or receiving things. Mutual hospitality and courtesy are of great importance at all levels, whatever the social standing of the host. Visitors must remember that most Pakistanis are Muslim and should respect their customs and beliefs.
Smoking is prohibited in some public places and it is polite to ask permission before lighting a cigarette. It is common for visiting businesspeople to be entertained in hotels and restaurants. If invited to a private home, a gift or national souvenir is welcome. Informal dress is acceptable for most occasions. Women should avoid wearing tight clothing and both men and women should ensure that their arms and legs are covered. Pakistani society is divided into classes and within each group there is a subtle social grading. The Koran is the law for Muslims and it influences every aspect of daily life; see the World of Islam appendix for more information.
Photography: Do not take photographs at military establishments, airports or of any infrastructure, including dams and bridges or from aircraft. The penalties can be severe.