Visit Pakistan - Travel Guide - Tourist Destinations

Geographical position and Climate of Pakistan

Pakistan is located in South Asia, bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, China to the north, and the Arabian Sea to the south. It lies roughly between latitudes 24° and 37° N, and longitudes 61° and 77° E. The country’s geography varies greatly from the coastal areas of the south to the mountains of the north, which include some parts of the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush ranges.

The climate of Pakistan is characterized by distinct variations across its different regions:

Northern Areas: The mountainous regions of the north, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, experience alpine climates with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Heavy snowfall is common in winter.
Plains: The vast plains of Punjab and Sindh have an arid to semi-arid climate, with hot summers where temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), and relatively mild winters.
Coastal Areas: Along the southern coast, including Karachi, the climate is typically arid with mild winters and hot summers, moderated by the proximity to the Arabian Sea.
Western Regions: Balochistan’s highlands have a desert climate with extremely cold winters and hot summers, while the lower-lying areas are arid and warm.

Monsoon rains primarily affect the eastern regions from July to September, contributing significantly to the annual rainfall. However, some northern and western areas receive rainfall predominantly from the western disturbance during the winter months.

Brief history of Pakistan

The region that is now Pakistan has been the cradle of civilizations for millennia, with a history that begins with ancient cultures such as the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE.

Colonial Era: Fast forward to the modern era, the area became a part of the British Indian Empire in the 19th century. During this time, the struggle for independence grew, and the concept of a separate nation for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent began to take shape, led by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Partition and Independence: Following World War II, the movement for a separate Muslim state intensified, culminating in the partition of British India in 1947. This led to the creation of the Dominion of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, comprising two geographically and culturally separate areas, West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Early Challenges: The young nation faced numerous challenges including mass migrations, disputes over territories, particularly the princely state of Kashmir, and the establishment of a new government and constitution.

Bangladesh Independence: Political and economic disparities between the two wings of Pakistan led to civil unrest and eventually a bloody conflict, resulting in the secession of East Pakistan and the formation of the independent nation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Modern Pakistan: Since its independence, Pakistan has oscillated between military and civilian rule, with periods of martial law. It has played a significant role in regional politics, particularly in relation to its neighbors India and Afghanistan. The country has also been pivotal in strategic geopolitical affairs, especially during the Cold War and the war on terror.

Today, Pakistan is the world’s fifth-most populous country and continues to face various challenges including political instability, economic issues, and regional security concerns while striving for development and progress.

Religion

The predominant religion in Pakistan is Islam, with the vast majority of the population being Muslims. According to the constitution, Pakistan is an Islamic republic, and Islam is the state religion. Religious freedom is constitutionally guaranteed in Pakistan, but in practice, minorities often face discrimination and sometimes violence. The country’s blasphemy laws have been a subject of international concern, as they have been used to target religious minorities as well as Muslims accused of deviating from orthodox beliefs.

Language

The official language of Pakistan is Urdu, which serves as the lingua franca and is widely used in education, media, and for official purposes. English is also recognized as an official language and is used extensively in government, legal affairs, and business. Other regional languages include Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Saraiki, and many others, reflecting the country’s rich linguistic diversity.

Places to visit in Pakistan

Before you visit Pakistan

Travel to Pakistan

There are several ways to travel to Pakistan, depending on your location and preference:

By Air

International Flights: The primary and most common way to enter Pakistan is by air. Major international airports in Pakistan include Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, and Islamabad International Airport. These airports serve as hubs for international flights from around the world.

With train or bus

India: There’s a land crossing at Wagah Border near Lahore, which is used for travel between India and Pakistan.
China: The Khunjerab Pass is a border crossing between Pakistan and China, open from April to November, weather permitting.
Iran: The Taftan border allows for overland entry from Iran into Balochistan, Pakistan.
Afghanistan: There are several border crossings with Afghanistan, including the Torkham gate near Peshawar and the Chaman crossing near Quetta.

By Sea

Ports: While less common for tourists, Pakistan can also be accessed by sea through the port city of Karachi. However, there are no regular passenger services, so this option is typically used for cargo.

Visa Requirements

Before planning your trip, check the visa requirements for your country. Many travelers will need to secure a visa before arrival, although Pakistan has introduced e-visa services and visa on arrival for certain nationalities to facilitate tourism and business visits.

Visas for Pakistan

To visit Pakistan, most foreign nationals require a visa, which can be obtained from Pakistani embassies and consulates worldwide. Here are the types of visas available and the general process for obtaining them:

Types of Visas for Pakistan:

Tourist Visa: For individuals who wish to travel to Pakistan for sightseeing, visiting family and friends, or other personal purposes.
Business Visa: For businesspersons who intend to visit Pakistan for business meetings, conferences, or trade purposes.
Work Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who are employed in Pakistan.
Student Visa: For international students admitted to Pakistani educational institutions.
Family Visit Visa: For those visiting family members residing in Pakistan.
Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Pakistan en route to a third country.

How to Apply for a Visa:

Embassy/Consulate Application: You can apply for a visa by submitting the required documents, including a passport valid for at least six months, photographs, a completed visa application form, and supporting documents related to the purpose of your visit, to the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate.
E-Visa: Pakistan offers an e-visa option to citizens of many countries. Applicants can complete the process online, upload the necessary documents, and pay the visa fee.
Visa on Arrival: For certain nationalities or individuals holding specific travel documents, Pakistan may offer a visa on arrival. This is typically for short stays and tourism purposes.

Visa Requirements:

The specific requirements for a Pakistani visa can vary based on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, you will need to provide:

A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity.
Passport-sized photographs.
A completed visa application form.
An invitation letter or hotel booking (for tourist visas).
A letter from a sponsor or company (for business visas).
Proof of legal residence in the country of application (if applicable).

Important Notes:

Visa Duration and Validity: The duration and validity of the visa depend on the type applied for and the discretion of the visa officers.
Security Clearance: Some nationalities may require additional security clearance, which can extend the processing time.
Restricted/Prohibited Areas: Certain areas in Pakistan require special permissions or No Objection Certificates (NOC) to visit due to security reasons.

Always check the latest visa information and travel advisories from official sources or the Pakistani embassy in your country before planning your trip.

Best time to visit Pakistan

The best time to visit Pakistan largely depends on the region you plan to explore and the activities you want to engage in. Here’s a general guide:

Spring (March to April)

Weather: The weather is generally pleasant with moderate temperatures across most of the country.
Activities: It’s a great time for sightseeing, cultural festivals, and visiting historical sites.

Summer (May to August)

Weather: Summers can be extremely hot in the southern and central plains, while northern areas remain cooler.
Activities: Ideal for trekking and mountaineering in the northern mountainous regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Autumn (September to November)

Weather: Autumn brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage, especially in the northern areas.
Activities: Good for outdoor activities and experiencing the harvest season in various parts of the country.

Winter (December to February)

Weather: Winters are cold, with snowfall in the northern mountains, while the south remains mild.
Activities: Suitable for exploring the southern cities and deserts, and winter sports in the north.

Note: If you’re interested in specific events or festivals, it’s worth timing your visit accordingly. For example, the spring festival of Basant in Lahore, the Shandur Polo Festival in summer, or the Sibi Mela in Balochistan. Always check local weather conditions and travel advisories before planning your trip as the climate can vary greatly between different regions of Pakistan.

Important Information

Capital – Islamabad

Territory – 881,913 km²

Currency – Pakistani rupee (PKR)

Time Zone – UTC+5 (PKT)

Population – 241,499,431

Demonym – Pakistani