+ 4 h / + 3 h during our summer time

Islamabad

Urdu and english

• 220 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types C and D

Banks

9.00 am - 1.30 pm (Mon - Thu and Sat)
9.00 am - 12.30 pm (Fri)

Shops

9.30 am - 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 6.30 pm (Sat - Thu)

This is a list of the national public holidays. Additional holidays are also observed, depending on the religion and region.

• 5 February - Kashmir Day (یوم یکجہتی کشمیر) 
• 23 March - Pakistan Day (یومِ پاکستان) 
• Eid ul-Fitr (عید الفطر) – end of Ramadan (date varies)
• Eid ul-Adha (عید الاضحیٰ) – Festival of Sacrifice (date varies) 
• Ashura (عاشورہ) – 10th day of the month of Muharram
• 1 May - Labour Day (یوم مزدور)
• 28 May - Youm-e-Takbeer (یومِ تکبیر) 
• 14 August - Independence Day (یومِ آزادی)
• Eid ul-Adha (عید الاضحیٰ) – Festival of Sacrifice (date varies)
• Eid Milad-un-Nabi (عید میلاد النبی) – birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
• 9 November - Iqbal Day (یومِ اقبال)
• 25 December - Quaid-e-Azam Day (یومِ قائدِ اعظم)

The following documents are required to enter Pakistan:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least six months on arrival.
• Swiss citizens require a visa for Pakistan, which must be obtained before departure from the Pakistani Embassy in Bern. Travellers without a visa will be refused entry at the border.
• A return or onward ticket and valid documents for onward travel to the next country are required.

As of: September 2024

• North (Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): mountain climate with cold winters and mild summers. At higher altitudes, winters are very harsh with heavy snowfall.
• Central and western Pakistan (Punjab, Balochistan): continental climate with hot summers and mild winters. In desert regions such as the Thar and Cholistan, temperatures can become extremely high in summer.
• South (Sindh, Karachi): hot tropical climate, with particularly high temperatures and humidity during the summer months. Winters are mild and pleasant, making them ideal for travel.
• Monsoon regions (eastern Punjab and Sindh): the summer monsoon brings heavy rainfall from July to September, while the remaining months are generally dry.
   

  Best time to travel to Pakistan:

• City breaks: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather for cities such as Islamabad and Lahore.
• Beach holidays: the summer months (May to August) are suitable for the southern beaches around Karachi.
• Mountain trips: summer (June to September) is ideal for trekking in the north, when temperatures are pleasant.
• Winter trips: December to February for winter sports in the northern mountains, for example in Malam Jabba.

• Using a mobile phone in Pakistan may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, restaurants, hotels and public spaces.
• Purchasing a prepaid SIM card is recommended for affordable mobile calls and internet access during your stay. In Pakistan, SIM cards from Jazz, Zong, Telenor Pakistan and Ufone are recommended. They offer good network coverage and fast connections.

Lahore Fort (Lahore): a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive palaces, gardens and mosques dating from the Mughal era.

• Faisal Mosque (Islamabad): the largest mosque in Pakistan and an architectural landmark that combines modern design with Islamic traditions.

• Minar-e-Pakistan (Lahore): a historic monument commemorating the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940. It is one of the country’s most important symbols of independence.

• Karakoram Highway (connecting Pakistan and China): one of the world’s highest paved roads, passing through spectacular mountain scenery and often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".

• Hunza Valley (Gilgit-Baltistan): a picturesque valley surrounded by high mountains, ideal for trekking and adventure, and renowned for its spectacular views and welcoming local communities.

• Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh): one of the world’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with remains of the approximately 5'000-year-old Indus Valley Civilisation.

• Shah Faisal Gate (Peshawar): a historic gateway in Peshawar, symbolising the region’s rich history and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.

• Swat Valley (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): also known as the „Switzerland of Pakistan“, the valley offers majestic mountain scenery, rivers and historic Buddhist sites.

• Ranikot Fort (Sindh): a vast fortified complex also known as the „Great Wall of Sindh“. It is an impressive example of historic defensive architecture.

Pakistan offers a fascinating cuisine characterised by bold spices and a wide variety of flavours.

• Rice and bread dishes: Biryani (fragrant rice with meat and spices) and Pulao (spiced rice) are among the most popular rice dishes, while Naan, Roti and Paratha (different types of bread) are traditional accompaniments.
• Spices and flavours: with spices such as cumin, cardamom and Garam Masala (a spice blend), Pakistani dishes are rich in flavour and intensity.
• Curries and stews: classics such as Nihari (slow-cooked beef stew) and Karahi (a pan-cooked dish with chicken or lamb) offer hearty flavours and are often served with rice or bread.
• Street food: Samosas (fried pastry parcels), Pakoras (fried vegetable fritters) and Chaat (a spicy snack mixture) are popular freshly prepared street foods across Pakistan.
• Meat dishes: grilled specialities such as Seekh Kebabs (spiced minced meat cooked on skewers) and Chapli Kebabs (flat, spiced meat patties) play an important role in Pakistani cuisine.
• Seafood: particularly along the coast, especially in Karachi, Fish Karahi and prawn curries are popular local favourites.
• Drinks: refreshing Lassi and sweet Chai are popular accompaniments to the often spicy dishes.
• Desserts: Gulab Jamun (fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup), Kheer (rice pudding) and Jalebi (spirals of fried dough soaked in syrup) are popular sweets served at festivals and special occasions.

• Greetings: a handshake is a common form of greeting, particularly between people of the same sex. When greeting women, a simple nod or slight raise of the hand is often preferred. Traditionally, “Assalamu Alaikum” is used as a greeting and “Wa Alaikum Assalam” as the response.

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is important in Pakistan. “Shukriya” (thank you) and “Meherbani” (please) are common expressions used to show appreciation. A smile often accompanies a word of thanks.

• Clothing: traditional and modest clothing is appreciated. In rural areas in particular, shoulders and knees should be covered. Women are advised to carry a headscarf when visiting mosques.

• Dining etiquette: in Pakistan, food is often eaten with the right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. If you are invited to a meal, it is polite not to refuse the food and to try at least a small amount. Complimenting the hosts is also considered courteous.

• Smoking: smoking is uncommon in many public areas and may be frowned upon in more conservative circles. Check whether smoking is permitted and ask before lighting a cigarette.

• Tipping: tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, around 5-10% of the bill is customary. Hotel staff and taxi drivers also appreciate a small tip.

• Tap water:  tap water in Pakistan is generally not safe to drink and should be avoided. Bottled water, which is widely available, is recommended for safe drinking water.
• Vaccinations: no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Pakistan. However, travellers are advised to check that their standard vaccinations are up to date before departure and to receive any necessary boosters. 
  • Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. For longer stays or in cases of increased risk, vaccination against dengue fever, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and meningococcal meningitis ACWY should also be considered. Travellers visiting the southern province of Sindh are also advised to consider vaccination against Japanese encephalitis.
  • When leaving Pakistan, the WHO recommends polio vaccination for travellers who have stayed in the country for more than four weeks.

• Medical care in most parts of Pakistan is inadequate and does not meet European medical or hygiene standards. In rural areas in particular, language barriers can also cause communication difficulties. In Islamabad and Karachi, however, medical care is generally good, covers all major medical specialties and is of a high standard, although it can be expensive.
• Travellers are strongly advised to take out international health insurance before departure that also covers emergencies and repatriation.
• Reliable medicines and an uninterrupted cold chain are not guaranteed everywhere, and there is a risk of counterfeit products in smaller pharmacies. Travellers should therefore bring a sufficient supply of any important medicines they take regularly and be able to present a medical certificate in English. Pharmacies in larger private clinics generally offer a wide range of reliable medicines.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Despite increased security measures, there remains an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Pakistan. Balochistan is particularly affected. Attacks frequently target government institutions, religious minorities and busy places such as markets, shopping centres and public transport. Foreign nationals and foreign establishments, including restaurants, have also been targeted.
• In certain regions of Pakistan (Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), there is a high risk of kidnapping by terrorist groups, affecting both local residents and foreign nationals.
• Travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, areas bordering India and along the “Line of Control” (LoC) is advised against.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: September 2024

• In Pakistan, traffic drives on the left.
• Driving at night is strongly discouraged.
• An International Driving Permit is required and is only valid when used together with your national driving licence. 
• Drivers must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Drivers under the age of 21 should expect to pay an additional fee.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

• Long-distance trains: Pakistan Railways operates an extensive network of long-distance trains connecting major cities. Train travel is often inexpensive, although delays are common.
• Regional trains: Regional rail services operated by Pakistan Railways are available in smaller towns and rural areas, although they tend to be less reliable.
• Coaches: Intercity coach services such as Daewoo and Faisal Movers are popular and affordable options for long-distance travel, offering various classes and levels of comfort.
• Metro: Lahore has a modern metro train system with the Orange Line, as well as a Metrobus line. Other cities do not have underground systems.
• Tickets: Train and coach tickets can be purchased at railway stations, bus terminals or online via the operators’ websites.
• Apps: In major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, apps such as Careem and Uber are common alternatives to public transport.

There are currently no direct flights from Switzerland to Pakistan. Flights to Pakistan’s main airports, such as Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore, are available with stopovers via major international hubs. International airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Etihad Airways and Gulf Air offer connections to Pakistan.

The main airports in Pakistan are:

• Islamabad International Airport (ISB) – the main airport serving the capital.
• Jinnah International Airport (KHI), Karachi – Pakistan’s largest airport for international and domestic flights.
• Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE), Lahore – an important airport for international and domestic flights.
• Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW), Peshawar – a regional airport serving domestic and international flights.
• Quetta International Airport (UET), Quetta – a regional airport with domestic connections.

Air travel in Pakistan does not always meet European safety standards; in 2020, Pakistan International Airlines had its permission to operate in the European Union withdrawn.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Emergency medical service: 15
• Police: 15
• Fire brigade: 16 / 9204584

Street 6, Diplomatic Enclave, G-5/4
Islamabad 44000
Tel.: +92 51 209 88 00, +41 58 464 18 81, +41 58 464 18 82 
Email: islamabad@eda.admin.ch

• During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited by law. This rule applies to everyone regardless of religion, and violations may result in legal consequences.
• Gambling is also illegal in Pakistan and may result in legal consequences.
• Photographing military installations, police facilities, government buildings and public infrastructure such as airports and bridges is prohibited.
• Insulting or publicly criticising Islam and its prophets, including on social media, is punishable by law.
• Violations of drug laws are severely punished even for small quantities and may result in sentences of up to life imprisonment. The death penalty may be imposed for drug trafficking, blasphemy and other serious offences.