4,500 years of history, from the Indus to the Karakoram
Everything you need to know before you travel — history, geography, seasons and practical tips.
A crossroads of civilizations
Pakistan’s recorded history spans around 4,500 years, beginning with the advanced Indus Valley civilization, whose cities were uncovered at Harappa and Moenjodaro. The region then saw successive waves of settlers and conquerors — the Aryans around 1500 B.C., the Persians, the Greeks under Alexander, and the Arabs from 712 A.D.
Muslim rule dominated from the 10th century until the arrival of the British. Under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan emerged on the world map as a sovereign state on 14th August, 1947.
Today Pakistan is an Islamic republic with its capital at Islamabad. Its parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate, and the government is led by the Prime Minister.
From the world’s highest peaks to the Arabian Sea
Lying between latitudes 24° and 37° N and longitudes 62° and 75° E, Pakistan borders Iran, Afghanistan, China and India, with a coastline on the Arabian Sea. The north is dominated by the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindukush ranges; Punjab spreads across fertile alluvial plains; Sindh holds desert; and Baluchistan is an arid plateau.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Kalam, Swat in winter — M. Hamza Shahab, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Masherbrum from Hushe — Zafaryaab, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lulusar Lake, near Naran — irfan muhammad, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Skardu and the Indus in autumn — Vasiq Eqbal, CC BY-SA 4.0
Pakistan at a glance
- Capital
- Islamabad
- Area
- 803,940 sq km
- Population
- 130.58 million (1998 census)
- Languages
- Urdu (national), English (official); Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi
- Religion
- Muslim 97%, Hindu 1.5%, Christian 1%, others
- Currency
- Pakistani Rupee (100 paisa = 1 rupee)
- Time zone
- GMT +5 hours
- Electricity
- 220 V, 50 Hz AC
- Driving
- On the left; international licence valid; minimum age 18
Getting to Pakistan
By air
More than 25 international airlines connect Pakistan with over 40 countries. The main international airports are Karachi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Lahore.
By land
The Khunjerab Pass on the Karakoram Highway links Pakistan with China (May – October for groups, into November for individuals). Wagah is the land border crossing with India, open daily.
By sea
There are currently no regular passenger sea services to Pakistan.
Getting around
Air
PIA serves domestic airports across the country, alongside private airlines.
Road
An extensive network including the historic Grand Trunk Road, the Karakoram Highway and modern motorways.
Rail
A railway network of around 12,700 km, with discounts available for tourists.
Local transport
Taxis, auto-rickshaws, buses and the traditional horse-drawn tonga.
Shopping, food & etiquette
Shopping
Exquisite handicrafts — hand-woven carpets, marble pieces, copper and brass, carved woodwork and embroidered clothing.
Food
Pakistani cuisine draws on the culinary traditions of the Mughals, Turks, Central Asians and Iranians — rich curries, rice dishes and grilled meats.
What to wear
Lightweight cotton for most of the year, with warm layers for winter in the north. Women are advised to dress modestly.
Good to know
- Photography of military installations, bridges and airports is prohibited
- Ask permission before photographing women
- Avoid travelling on mountain roads at night
- Do not swim in northern rivers
The regions of Pakistan
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: The Hunza valley — FaizanAhmad, CC BY-SA 3.0 · The Kalash valleys — Akhtar Hassan, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Badshahi Mosque — Fassifarooq, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The stupa mound — Saqib Qayyum, CC BY-SA 3.0 · The Makran Coastal Highway — Furqanlw, CC BY-SA 4.0
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