The official language is Urdu (8%), but there are also regional languages and dialects such as Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi (48%), Pashto (8%), Saraiki (10%) and Hindko (2%). English is widely spoken.
Public Holidays
23.03.2022 Pakistan-Tag
01.05.2022 Eid al-Fitr (Ende des Ramadan)
09.07.2022 Eid al-Adha (Opferfest)
08.08.2022 Aschura
14.08.2022 Independence Day
09.10.2022 Milad un Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad)
(a) The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid ul-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
(b) The Christian holidays are celebrated only by the Christian communities.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported into Pakistan duty-free (persons aged 18 and over): 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 g of tobacco; Other goods/gifts up to a value of US$100. Personal Items: Professional tools valued at no more than US$500 in total; personal clothing and accessories; Toiletries and used electric razors, medals, trophies and prizes advertised on the travelers, an iron and a hair dryer; a desktop computer or a tablet; a mobile phone; a watch, a camera and a video camera, a buggy, toys and personal items used by accompanying children.
Prohibited Imports
Weapons and ammunition, drugs, psychotropic substances, alcoholic beverages, counterfeits of all kinds, matches, plants, fruits and vegetables, fireworks, obscene and pornographic material, anti-Islamic or other religious writings, translations of the Koran without Arabic text; contraband goods; Goods infringing on intellectual property rights. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Exports
Antiques, certain chemicals, fakes of all kinds.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Bernastrasse 47
Bern
Switzerland
+41 (0)31 350 17 90.
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.30 and 14.00-17.00. Consular Dept.: 09.30-12.30; telephone inquiries: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Honorary Consulate General in Innsbruck.
Hofzeile 13
Wien
Austria
+43 (0)1 368 73 81.
http://www.mofa.gov.pk/austria
http://www.mofa.gov.pk/austria
With visa issuance for visa applications from the federal states of Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Thuringia.
Mon-Thurs 09.00-12.00, consular department: visa applications: Mon-Thurs 09.00-12.00, visa collection: Mon-Thurs 16.00-17.00
Business
Business etiquette
Ties or suits/saris are expected for important business appointments. English is commonly spoken in business circles. Friday is a holiday. Business cards are important. Business hours: Sat-Thurs 08.00-15.00, Fri 08.00-12.30. Authorities: Sun-Thurs 08.00-16.00.
Business contacts
Commercial Department of the Consulate General of Pakistan Beethovenstraße 4, D-60325 Frankfurt/M Tel: (069) 69 76 97 10. Commercial Department of the Embassy of Pakistan Hofzeile 13, A-1190 Vienna Tel: (01) 368 73 81. Commercial Department of the Embassy of Pakistan Bernastraße 47, CH -3005 BernTel: (031) 352 29 92. Internet: www.swisspak.comOverseas Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and IndustryTalpur Road, PO Box 4833, 74000 KarachiTel: (021) 241 08 14 .Internet: www.oicci.org Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce (FPCCI)PO Box 13875, Federation House, Sharea Firdousi, Main Clifton, Karachi 75600 Tel: (021) 587 36 91.Internet: http://www.fpcci. com.pk/
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service. According to Abbreviationfinder.org, there are public telephone centers.
Cell phone
GSM 900. Main providers: PAKTEL, Ufone and Mobilink (Internet: www.mobilinkgsm.com). The reception/transmission range is limited to the larger cities. Roaming agreements exist with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others.
Internet
Main providers: Pakistan Online (Internet: www.pol.com.pk) and Pak Net. Internet cafes can be found in larger cities.
Post
Airmail to Europe takes four to five days. Poste restante counters are located in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. The main post offices in major cities are open 24 hours a day. Important letters should be sent by registered post and insured.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
