Pakistan Fast Facts

Overview

Pakistan is an Islamic Republic Republic and its capital is Islamabad. Pakistan has four provinces, Baluchistan, North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab and Sindh. Their respective capitals are: Quetta, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi. In addition to these provinces is the Federally Administered Northern Area (FANA), which is divided into the districts of Diamer, Ghanche, Ghizer, Gilgit and Skardu. These are being merged into one province to be named as Gilgit Baltistan. There are also seven Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Economy:
Pakistan's major exports include raw cotton and cotton products, rice, fish and fish products, carpets and rugs, leather and leather goods, sports and surgical goods. Major imports include tea, petroleum and its products, edible oils, chemical fertilizers, milk and milk foods, agricultural machinery, transport equipment, medicines, iron and steel. Pakistan's major trading partners are the USA, Japan, Germany, UK, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and China.

Currency:
The basic unit of currency is the Rupee, which is divided into 100 paisas. Currency notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 are currently in use. Coins of 50 paisas, and 1, 2 and 5 Rupees are in circulation.

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Government

Pakistan has a federal structure. Parliament consists of the lower house (National Assembly) and the upper house (Senate). Members of the National Assembly are directly elected and their term of office is five years. The National Assembly determines the major policy issues and passes an annual budget and legislation. It elects the Prime Minister from among its members.

The Prime Minister forms the cabinet from among members of the assembly, and the Senate. Provinces have their own elected legislative assemblies and the Chief Ministers.

The majority of the members of the Upper House are elected by the Provincial Assemblies.

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Demographics

Population:
Pakistan has a population of around 170 million. At present the growth rate is 2.8 % per annum. The major cities are Karachi (15 000 000), Lahore (8 000 000), Faislabad (3 000 000), Rawalpindi (1 000 000), Hyderabad (850 000), Islamabad (650 000).

Education:
The literacy rate in 1997 was almost 37.6% which has risen to 50% by 2009.

Climate:
Pakistan has well-defined seasons. Winter from December - Feburary, Spring from March - April, Summer May - September and Autumn from October - November. Temperatures vary across the country, e.g. Summer on the plains can reach a temperature of 45 C. Between July and August, monsoon brings an average of 38 - 51 cm of rain to the plains and 152 - 203 cm in the Himalayan Valleys.

Religion:
Muslim (97%), Hindu (1.5%), Christian (1%) and several other minorities.

Languages:
The national language is Urdu, while the official language is English. Some of the main regional languages include Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi and Pushto.

Driving:
Cars in Pakistan drive on the left side. International or national licenses are valid and all cars must be insured and registered. The minimum driving age is 18 years. The speed limit is 65 kph (40 mph) on most roads.

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Facts

Weights and Measures:
The metric system is used as the official system of weights and measures in Pakistan.

Electricity:
220 V, 50 Hz AC.

Time Zone:
Pakistan Standard Time is GMT +5 hours. Since Pakistan follows the Daylight Saving Time (DST), from April to October Pakistan Standard Time is GMT +6.

Internet:
(TLD: ".pk") Browsing speeds range between 10kbps and 35kbps. Some main ISPs are: CyberNet, WorldOnline and the government owned PakNet. Most ISPs in Karachi operate throughout the country but their service may vary place to place.

Telephone Information and Codes:
Inward: +92
Karachi: 21
Islamabad: 51
Lahore: 42
Faisalabad: 41
Hyderabad: 221
Multan: 61
Rawalpindi: 51
Gilgit 572
Skardu: 575
Peshawar: 521

Public Telephone, telex and fax facilities are available at the Customer Service Centers (CSC) or in general stores and shops, identified by a sign displaying 'PCO' on green boards.