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Asia

Pakistan


Pakistan shares borders with Iran, Afghanistan, China and India, and fronts the Arabian Sea in the south. The terrain varies from rugged and mountainous regions to flat, alluvial plains. Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, is on the Arabian Sea near the mouth of the Indus River.

Pakistan, a popular destination for trekking, has some of the world's highest mountains, including the second highest, K2, located in Kashmir province. Pakistan is home to an ancient civilization and is the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Pakistan is 97 percent Muslim. The Hindu and Christian faiths are also practiced. Urdu is the national language; in daily life, however, Punjabi is the most widely spoken language. English is commonly used in government and business.

Pakistan has three seasons: winter (October-February), summer (March-June) and the monsoons (July-September). The weather is generally warm with cool sea breezes on the coast, though the mountains can be bitterly cold. Expect extremely high temperatures in summer. Most monsoon rain falls in the hills. Karachi gets little rain, except for occasional showers during the monsoon season.

Phone service in Pakistan is unreliable. International calls are routed through Islamabad. Although direct dialing is available, calls are difficult to complete. The postal system is unreliable and should be avoided, but international package delivery services are available. Internet access is available in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and other larger cities.

Accommodations and meals are inexpensive. Do not rely solely on credit cards. While larger hotels accept major credit cards, many merchants and restaurants expect cash. Limited ATM services are available in the larger cities.

Roads are poorly maintained and night driving can be dangerous. Taxis are readily available and offer the most efficient means of public transport in cities, but use of taxis can subject travelers to security risks. Therefore, a hotel limousine or a private driver, trained in defensive driving techniques, is the most secure means of road travel. Pakistan has an extensive rail system but trains are often overcrowded and may not be air-conditioned. Advance reservations are needed. Domestic air flights offer the best connections within Pakistan.

Pakistan can be an extremely dangerous country for visitors. Terrorism is a continuing threat and political demonstrations with anti-Western overtones are common. Both petty and violent crime rates are also rising.

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