PAKISTAN TRAVEL GUIDE

The concept of the Pakistani nation dates back to 1936 and the Allahabad Address when Muhammad Iqbal called for a Muslim state for the Muslims of north-west India. Following Indian independence from Britain, Pakistan got its own independence from India in 1947. Nine years later in 1956 it officially became an Islamic state. Following disputes and a war between East and West Pakistan, Bangladesh in turn gained its independence from Pakistan in 1971. Its current political constitution dates from 1973.

With a population of 180 million people, it is the sixth largest country in the world in terms of population size. It is a geographically diverse country with an area of over 300,000 square miles taking in mountains, plains, deserts and a coastline on the Arabian Gulf. Given its diverse landscape and formidable size, climate varies considerably from place to place.

Pakistan is a country that has seen and continues to experience rapid economic growth in recent years. It has been classified as one of the “Next 11” countries which are set to be economically significant in coming years. Alongside its economic prowess, Pakistan is also a regional and global leader on the political stage.

The southern part of the country typically has five seasons rather than the more normal four – these include spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. Pretty much the entire country is hot in the summer months although this depends on exactly where you are and the elevation – for example, mountainous areas tend to be cooler. The monsoon season in July and August can see considerable rainfall although it is generally drier in the north of the country.

As mentioned before, it is a beautiful country with a hugely diverse geography from its mountainous north (some of the tallest mountains in the world can be found in Pakistan) to the warm Arabian Gulf coastline. Culturally it is rich in its diversity and whilst predominantly a Muslim country, it is also home to many other cultures and peoples – particularly in the ethnically mixed north-western areas

Whether travelling to trek in the mountains or visit some of the most historically significant cities in the region, there are many reasons to visit this fascinating country

You will also need to have six months validity on your passport at the time you apply for your visa. Visas can be obtained from the Pakistani High Commission in London who can also help with any enquiries.

Obviously Pakistani passport holders do not require a visa. Other nationalities should check with the Pakistani High Commission to establish whether a visa for travel is required.

Faisalabad and Peshawar must be accessed via either the main entry points in Pakistan or through one of the Middle-Eastern flight hubs.

Airlines serving Pakistan include Pakistan International Airlines, Gulf Air, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and several other regional carriers connecting via points in the Middle-East and central Asia.