Overview
Pakistan is a country in Asia according to franciscogardening. Pakistan is a country of great diversity; small bazaars hidden in the narrow streets of Rawalpindi are also part of Pakistan, as is Lahore’s magnificent Taj Mahal-style architecture. The wealth of the country lies in its friendly people and its breathtaking landscape of mighty mountain ranges. Water sports, mountaineering and hiking are just some of the popular leisure activities here. In addition to these natural features, Pakistan has great cultural diversity. Several ancient civilizations lived in this region of the world and the country has seen mighty dynasties rise and fall. The conquests of Alexander the Great reached into what is now Pakistan, which was also the origin of the Buddhist Ghandara culture. With independence from India in 1947, Pakistan was born as a country. Pressure from Indian Muslims forced Britain to establish a Muslim state separate from India. Originally it consisted of two parts, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan). After a military dictatorship and a civil war, Bangladesh split from Pakistan. The historical conflict between Pakistan and India is still ongoing today and has the Kashmir region as a central point of contention. Although the majority of Kashmir’s population is Muslim, the region has been part of India since 1947.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Pakistan’s national airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PK), is blacklisted in Europe. Qatar Airways (QR) via Doha, Emirates (EK) via Abu Dhabi and Turkish Airlines (TK) via Istanbul offer flights to Karachi from Frankfurt/M., Munich, Vienna and Zurich. Gulf Air (GF) flies from Frankfurt/M. via Bahrain to Multan.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Karachi: 10 hrs 15 mins; Munich – Karachi: 11 hrs 10 mins; Vienna – Karachi: 9 hrs 10 mins; Zurich – Karachi: 10 hrs 5 mins (each with stopover(s); travel times vary depending on length of stay)
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
The India to Pakistan (Atari/Wagah) border crossing between Lahore and Amritsar is open. However, in Pakistan, the border areas with Afghanistan, Iran and India as well as the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir are only accessible with official permission or not at all. There is also an urgent warning against entry from Iran because of the risk of kidnapping in the border area. When traveling overland from Europe, it is also essential to find out about border traffic, visa regulations and the current political situation of all countries along the way before you leave. Tolls: Motorways are subject to tolls in Pakistan. The fees are to be paid at the toll booths. Documents:
Arrival by train
There is currently no cross-border rail traffic.
Arrival by ship
The main port is Karachi (Keamari). Currently there are no passenger ships to Pakistan.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Pakistan International Airlines (PK), Serene Air (ER) and Airblue (PA) operate domestic flights; among other things, they connect Karachi with Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad several times a day.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network in Pakistan has a total length of approximately 264,000 km. The longest stretch of motorway (892 km) connects Ratodero to Gwadar; another highway runs from Lahore to Islamabad. Federal roads connect all parts of the country and the most important cities. The busiest national road is the N5, which runs from Islamabad to Lahore and Karachi, among other places. Toll: Motorways are subject to tolls. The fees are to be paid at toll stations.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
About 70% of the roads are paved. Secondary roads are mostly equipped with a gravel surface.
Road classification
The country’s highways are marked with white writing on green plates and the letter M and a number; Federal roads with white writing on blue plates and the letter N, some also with the letters S or E and a number.
Car rental
Rental car companies can be found in most major cities and at the airports of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, among others. Hotels often arrange rental cars as well. Drivers must be at least 18 years old.
Taxi
In the larger cities, taxis are readily available. The fare should be agreed in advance. Uber and Careem vehicles can be rented online via app; they are often cheaper than traditional taxis and have fixed rates.
Coach
There are regular bus services between most towns and villages. The private bus company Daewoo Express operates an extensive bus network between the country’s cities. The state-owned Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) operates routes between Islamabad and the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Buses run hourly on the Lahore – Rawalpindi – Peshawar route.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰ (absolute alcohol ban); – Children who are less than 150 cm tall and between 3 and 11 years of age must be transported with a suitable child safety device. – Telephoning is only permitted with a hands-free device. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 40-70 km/h (according to signs); – on country roads: 60-100 km/h (according to the signs); – on expressways: 100 km/h; – on motorways: 120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling in the city
In Lahore, Karachi and other cities, the bus and minibus network is well developed; however, the buses are often overcrowded. The numerous, inexpensive taxis are the most convenient means of transport; during Ramadan, however, they often only run during the day. There are also motor rickshaws.
Locally on the way by train
The railway network is operated by the state-owned Pakistan Railways. Several day and night trains run daily on the Peshawar – Rawalpindi – Lahore – Karachi main line. Most of the other routes are also served several times a day. The compartments are often overcrowded, even in 1st class. Passengers can get a 25% discount on the fare upon presentation of a certificate issued by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation; Students only pay 50%. More information is available at the train stations. Approximate travel times: Karachi – Lahore: 20 hrs; Karachi – Rawalpindi: 28 hrs; Karachi – Peshawar: 32 hrs; Lahore – Rawalpindi: 5 hrs
Traveling by ship
Boat safaris are offered on the Indus.
