How to Access ?
By Air
The national airline is Pakistan International Airlines and links Pakistan with 47 destinations around the world. The main airports of Pakistan are
Karachi (KHI) (Jinnah International Airport),
Lahore (LHE),
Islamabad (ISB) Peshawar (PEW).
By Sea
The major port is Karachi (Kemari). It is both Afghanistan’s and Pakistan’s port for goods, together with Port Qasim. No passenger boats or ships for the general public sail to or from Pakistan at present.
By Land
Rail A rail link extends from Quetta (via the border crossing at Taftan) to Zahedan, Iran; the express train (travel time – 27 hours) runs weekly from Quetta, as does the passenger train, which only travels as far as Taftan. For more information contact Pakistan Railways (website: www.pakrail.com).
Road From China: The Khunjerab Pass is often snow-covered and, during the rainy season, it is closed due to the high risk of mudslides. Transport includes buses, vans and 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
From India: Wagha is the only land border open between Pakistan and India. A minibus runs from Lahore railway station to Wagha and there are also taxis available. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) operates two weekly buses from Lahore to Delhi on Friday and Tuesday, returning on Saturday and Wednesday. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) also operates two weekly services from Delhi.
From Iran: Travel is only possible via the Quetta–Taftan–Zahedan route. Several buses and coaches leave daily from Quetta to Taftan. There is also a road from Kabul, Afghanistan to Peshawar.
Visa & Passport:
Entry requirements for every foreign must require a visa and a valid passport. All foreign passport holders require a visa issued in their country of origin to enter Pakistan, and all passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. A return ticket or proof of onward travel is also required. All visitors are advised to carry a photocopy of their passport, including the Pakistani visa, at all times.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Photography:
Do not take photographs at military establishments, airports or of any infrastructure, including dams and bridge or from aircraft. The penalties can be severe.
Foods & Drinks:
Pakistan is religiously different country from other countries, so there are so many verieties of food and drinks as their culture, level of people. In Pakistan different verities of food are prepaired
for their religious and culture. Some daily delicious food and drinks of Pakistan are shahi Tukura, Dhal, Aloo Bhukhary Ki Chutney, Chicken Karaii, Raita, Lassi, Milk, Kheer Cereals, chocolates, honey, cheese, and canned juices also get can get different countries food and drinks in hotel and restaurents.
Health:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Pakistan by travellers coming from an infected area. Malaria exists in parts of Pakistan, and travellers should seek medical advice before travelling. Typhoid, Hepatitis A and polio are also a risk. Bird flu was confirmed in poultry farms, but no human infections have been reported. The risk to travellers is low, but as a precaution close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases; visitors should only drink bottled or otherwise sterilised water, and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat, salads and unpeeled fruit. In the areas affected by the earthquake of October 2005, basic health facilities have been disrupted. Outside the major cities there are few hospitals of a high standard. Medical insurance is strongly advised.
Shopping in Pakistan:
Pakistan is a treasure house of exquisite handicrafts, made by a people who grew up to weave, to pot, to work metals, wood and stone, to decorate, to build things small and great. Pottery here is a living history, a traditional craft that became an art, with its origins going back to 3,000 years B.C. Today, each region of Pakistan claims its own special jars and jugs, from sturdy terracotta to paper-thin ceramics. In vivid colours of mustard yellow, deep green, brick red and sky blue. For those keen on shopping, the prices are still quite reasonable. You will find yourself returning home with hand-woven carpets, pieces, copper and brass items, woodwork, embroidered “Kurtas” (shirts) and “Khussas”(shoes) and countless objects d’art.
Social Conventions:
The right hand is used both for shaking hands 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 business people 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.
