Pakistan is an Islamic country. It has four provinces: Baluchistan, N.W.F.P., Punjab, and Sindh.
Language:
The official language is Urdu. Other local languages are Balochi, Pushto, Punjabi, and Sindhi. English is also widely used and understood by the public.
Currency:
The Pakistani monitory unit is Rupee. Currency notes are of values 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 Rupees. With the country’s free economy system and free trade policy, there is no restriction whatsoever on amounts for bringing in money, to the country.
Economy, Trade & Industry:
The government of Pakistan encourages, supports and assists investments, both local and foreign. Apart from government owned industries/ corporations, private sector is also encouraged to prosper and develop. Government offers multifarious aid to such enterprises through schemes of finance, land, technology, resourcing, etc.
Banking:
There are a number of commercial banks licensed to operate in the country including national, private and foreign. They are regulated and supervised by the State Bank of Pakistan. Some banks have ATM machines. Visitors and residents can use their credit cards, such as visa and master card, to pay for goods.
Telecommunications:
The telephone system is fully automatic and almost all the long distance calls can be made without operator assistance. 24 hours service is available for direct dialing, telex and fax from all 5-star hotels and also from most of the other hotels. Public phone booths are also available.
Radio and Television:
The Ministry of Information supervises radio and television services and broadcasts. In addition to the main Urdu transmissions, there are news broadcasts in many different languages. In addition to the Pakistan Television’s (PTV) three channels, there is a private television channel PTV’s transmissions reach around 36 countries through satellite.
Newspapers:
There are a good number of newspapers, magazines and periodicals of high standard, published in the country. While Urdu publications are more in number, English publications are equally substantial and widely read. Publications of other countries are also available, especially at major book stores, libraries, hotels, and airports.
Entry Regulations:
Foreigners need to have valid visa duly endorsed in their passport for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Time:
GMT + 5
Measures:
Metric
Power:
220 V for general use, 440 V for industrial use.
Business Hours:
Government Offices 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Banks 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Shops 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Government Offices are closed on Sundays.
Transportation:
There are several means of transportation in the country e.g., air, rail, roads, etc.
Air:
For long distances, air travel is the most convenient and practical means of travel. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the official flag carrier of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, operates to a vast network of domestic and international destinations. PIA also has a fleet of various types of aircraft for charter flights. There are also some private airlines operating domestic flights. These private airlines are relatively cheaper.
International Airports:
There are 4 international airports in the country:
Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar.
PIA and a large number of international airlines operate from these airports.
Rail:
There is wide network of railway line throughout the country. This is the second most practical means of transport in the country. Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned, carriage service is available.
Taxi:
Taxi transport within the cities is common.