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Pakistan
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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
Cultural Attributes
Pakistani's are devout Muslims and live according to the will of Allah. There are differences between the various ethnic groups, with Pashtuns and Baluchis being more traditional and conservative than other major groups.
Land of the Indus and Mountain Fire
Social Customs & Etiquette
Greetings
Women might greet each other with a handshake or hug. It is not acceptable for men to touch women in public. A man may greet a married women verbally, but should not look directly at her. A title and last name are used when addressing someone. Conversations often involve discussing the health and well being of ones family.
Gestures
Pakistan's often sit with both feet on the ground so as to not point one's foot at another person which is considered rude. The right hand is used to pass items to another person. Using one's fingers to make various gestures is considered rude. It is customary to be greeted with coffee or tea in Pakistan. If you do not accept the offer you may offend your host. Women are often separated socially from men. Staring is quite common in the Pakistani culture, so don't be offended if you feel someone is staring at you. A closed fist is considered an obscene gesture.
Visiting
Treating ones guests well is important and they should be made to feel welcome. In small groups, each person is greeted one by one rather than a group introduction. Visiting relatives and friends is a very important social custom and occurs as frequently as possible. Visits usually include a beverage such as tea or coffee. Guests will frequently bring gifts if they are familiar with their hosts. Socializing before mealtime is common and does not usually occur after a meal is over. Men and women do not socialize together in traditional homes, but rather men may visit together in a seperate room .
Personal Appearance
The national dress, is called the "shalwar-qameez" which is frequently worn in both urban and rural areas. Men usually wear some kind of head dress. It is often possible to determine a man's ethnic group from the type of hat he is wearing. It is important to dress conservatively. Men only wear shorts if attending an athletic event and women never wear shorts. Pakistanis cover their legs, arms, and heads in public.
Diet
The mainstay of the Pakistani diet is chapati or roti, an unleavened bread similar to pita bread. Pakistani food is generally hot and spicy, with curry being one of the most popular spices. Islamic law forbids the consumption of pork and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Rice is part of most meals and desserts. Tea is the most popular drink. A type of yogurt is a common ingredient in meals.
Whenever possible, the whole family eats together, usually sharing the same platter and eating from the portion directly in front of them. Chapati (bread) is used to scoop up the food. Mothers usually feed the infants with the father feeding the young children. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sundown each day and it is polite for non-Muslims to not eat or drink during those hours as well
The most common food in the Pakistani diet is "chapati" or "roti", which is similar to pita bread. Pakistani food is generally hot and spicy, with curry being one of the most popular spices. Islamic law forbids the consumption of pork and consumption of alcoholic drinks. Rice is part of most meals and desserts. Tea is the most popular drink.
Family
The Government does not recognize either civil or common law marriage. Marriages are performed and registered according to one's religious group. The marriages of non-Muslim men remain legal upon conversion to Islam. However, if a non-Muslim female converts to Islam and her marriage was performed according to her previous religious beliefs, the marriage is considered dissolved. Children born to Hindu or Christian women who convert to Islam after marriage are considered illegitimate unless their husbands also convert. Children of non-Muslim men who convert are considered legitimate. A Muslim man can marry a woman "of the Book" (Jew or Christian) but cannot marry a woman of any other religious group unless she converts to Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. Muslim women may only marry Muslim men.
The children of a Muslim man and a Muslim woman who both convert to another religious group are considered illegitimate and can be seized by the Government. In effect, the Government recognizes a marriage if both bride and groom are of the same religious group, irrespective of the sect, or if the groom is Muslim and bride is "of the Book." Children born to these couples are considered legitimate. If the bride is Muslim and groom is not, they are not considered married and their children are illegitimate. Since Muslim males are not allowed to convert to any other religious group, the only way the marriage can be legitimated and the children made eligible for inheritance is if the groom converts to Islam.
Dating Customs
Arranged marriages are the norm. Marriage engagements may last many years or just a few months. It is not uncommon for a bride and groom meet for the first time on their wedding day. Pakistan has a low divorce rate.
Recreation
Cricket and field hockey are the most popular sports. Children in rural areas enjoy hide-and-seek, marbles and kite flying. Gulli-danda ( a stick game played by boys) and kabaddi ( a wrestling game) are also popular.
Holidays
Republic Day
3/23Independence
Christmas
12/25Christmas
Most of the population is Muslim. The small Christian minority observes Bara Din (Christmas) in Western fashion. December 25th is also the birthday of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-I-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, and is a National Holiday.
Dates of Interest
- August 14th
Organized by the Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage), Lok Mela is a cultural festival held in Islamabad that celebrates Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage. It features traditional music, dance performances, handicrafts, folk art, and cuisine from different regions of Pakistan.
How do people greet each other in Pakistan?
Greetings depend on gender: women may shake hands or hug, but men should not touch women in public and address a title with the last name. Conversations often start by asking about the health and well-being of one's family.
Do
- Use a title and last name when addressing someone
- In small groups, greet each person one by one
- Ask about the other person's family's health and well-being
Don’t
- Men should not touch women in public
- Men should not look directly at a married woman when greeting her verbally
What are the dining customs in Pakistan?
Families usually eat together from a shared platter, using chapati (bread) to scoop up hot, spicy food, with tea as the most popular drink.
Do
- Use chapati (bread) to scoop up food
- Expect rice with most meals and desserts
- Accept offered tea or coffee
Don’t
- Do not expect pork or alcohol, which Islamic law forbids
- During Ramadan, non-Muslims should avoid eating or drinking from sunrise to sundown
Good to know
- Curry and other spices make the food generally hot and spicy
- Yogurt is a common ingredient in meals
What etiquette should I follow when visiting a home in Pakistan?
Hospitality is important and guests are made to feel welcome, usually with tea or coffee and socializing before the meal.
Do
- Accept the offer of tea or coffee
- Bring a gift if you know your hosts well
- Socialize before the meal
Don’t
- Do not decline an offered beverage, as it may offend your host
- Do not expect men and women to socialize together in traditional homes
Good to know
- Visiting relatives and friends is a very important, frequent custom
- Socializing usually does not continue after the meal
How should I dress in Pakistan?
Dress conservatively, covering legs, arms, and head in public; the national dress is the shalwar-qameez, worn in both urban and rural areas.
Do
- Dress conservatively
- Cover your legs, arms, and head in public
Don’t
- Women never wear shorts
- Men wear shorts only at athletic events
Good to know
- Men usually wear a head covering, which can indicate their ethnic group
What gestures are polite or rude in Pakistan?
Use your right hand to pass items and keep both feet on the ground; several hand gestures are considered rude.
Do
- Pass items with your right hand
- Sit with both feet on the ground
Don’t
- Do not point your foot at another person
- Do not make gestures with your fingers
- Do not use a closed fist, which is an obscene gesture
Good to know
- Staring is common, so don't be offended if someone stares at you
- Women are often separated socially from men
What are family and marriage customs like in Pakistan?
Arranged marriages are the norm and the divorce rate is low; the whole family typically eats together whenever possible.
Good to know
- Engagements may last years or only a few months
- A bride and groom may meet for the first time on their wedding day
What do people do for recreation in Pakistan?
Cricket and field hockey are the most popular sports, alongside traditional games.
Good to know
- Children in rural areas enjoy hide-and-seek, marbles, and kite flying
- Gulli-danda (a boys' stick game) and kabaddi (a wrestling game) are also popular
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Pakistan
Photos of Pakistan
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel
- Currency
- Pakistani rupee (PKR)
- Time Difference
- UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- Climate
- Seasonal temperatures vary widely in these five regions. With the exception of the Far North, summers are hot throughout the country with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 120°F and little nighttime relief. Trade winds provide some relief during the hot and humid summers in Karachi and a brief cool season comes between December and February. In Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, a distinct winter season brings daytime temperatures of 60°F or less and cold nights. Islamabad and Peshawar may have light frosts. Spring and fall are delightful seasons in these three cities. Altitude governs climate in the Far North, with pleasant summers in the lower regions and perpetual snow in the higher mountains. The average annual rainfall varies from 6 inches in Karachi, 15 inches in Peshawar, and 18 inches in Lahore, to about 30 inches in Islamabad. Most rain falls during the summer monsoon from July to September, although parts of the Punjab and the Northwest Frontier experience a moderate winter rainy season as well.
- Airports
- 129
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
History
History
Historical Eras
Ancient Civilizations
2500 BCE – 711
The Indus Valley Civilization, centered on cities such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, flourished from roughly 2500 BCE before giving way to Indo-Aryan migrations and the Vedic Age. Alexander the Great swept through the region in 326 BCE, and subsequent empires — Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta — left deep imprints, with the Gandhara period producing a celebrated fusion of Buddhist and Hellenistic art centered on Taxila.
Islamic Consolidation
711 – 1526
Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest of Sindh in 711 CE brought Islam to the subcontinent for the first time, inaugurating centuries of Muslim political and cultural expansion. Mahmud of Ghazni's raids from Afghanistan (1001–1030) and Muhammad of Ghor's defeat of the Rajputs (1192) paved the way for the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526), which established Persian-influenced Islamic governance across much of the region.
Mughal Empire
1526 – 1757
Babur's victory at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 founded the Mughal Empire, which under Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan reached its cultural and administrative apex. Grand architectural projects, a sophisticated imperial bureaucracy, and flourishing of Urdu literature and Mughal miniature painting defined the era, before Aurangzeb's overextension and succession conflicts precipitated the empire's gradual collapse in the early 18th century.
Sikh & British Rule
1757 – 1947
As Mughal power disintegrated, Ranjit Singh forged a powerful Sikh empire stretching from Kabul to Lahore and Kashmir, encompassing much of northern Pakistan. The British East India Company supplanted Sikh rule by the mid-19th century, incorporating the region into the British Raj; it was during this colonial period that Muslim political consciousness crystallized, leading to the founding of the All-India Muslim League in 1906 and Muhammad Ali Jinnah's campaign for a separate Muslim homeland.
Independence & Partition
1947 – 1971
Pakistan emerged as an independent state on August 14, 1947, comprising West Pakistan and the geographically separated East Pakistan, amid catastrophic communal violence and mass population transfers. The unresolved accession of Kashmir triggered the first Indo-Pakistani war within weeks of independence, and chronic political instability — marked by the deaths of Jinnah and Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan and repeated military coups — plagued the new nation's formative decades.
Modern Pakistan
1971 – present
The secession of East Pakistan as Bangladesh in 1971, following a devastating civil war and Indian military intervention, fundamentally reshaped the country's identity. Successive cycles of civilian and military rule, the Soviet-Afghan War's profound regional spillover, Pakistan's covert nuclear weapons program culminating in open tests in 1998, and ongoing tensions with India over Kashmir have defined a nation navigating persistent security challenges alongside aspirations for democratic consolidation and economic development.
Overview
Pakistan’s Islamic history began with the arrival of Muslim traders in the 8th century in Sindh. The collapse of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century provided an opportunity for the English East India Company to extend its control over much of the subcontinent. The Sikh adventurer, Ranjit Singh, carved out a dominion that extended from Kabul to Srinagar and Lahore, encompassing much of the northern area of modern Pakistan. British rule replaced the Sikhs in the first half of the 19th century. In a decision that had far-reaching consequences, the British permitted the Hindu Maharaja of Kashmir, a Sikh appointee, to continue in power.
Pakistan emerged from an extended period of agitation by Muslims in the subcontinent to express their national identity free from British colonial domination as well as domination by what they perceived as a Hindu-controlled Indian National Congress. Muslim anti-colonial leaders formed the All-India Muslim League in 1906. Initially, the League adopted the same objective as the Congress--self-government for India within the British Empire--but Congress and the League were unable to agree on a formula that would ensure the protection of Muslim religious, economic, and political rights.
Pakistan and Partition
The idea of a separate Muslim state in British India first emerged in the 1930s. On March 23, 1940, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the Muslim League, formally endorsed the "Lahore Resolution," calling for the creation of an independent state in regions where Muslims constituted a majority. At the end of World War II, the United Kingdom moved with increasing urgency to grant India independence. The Congress Party and the Muslim League, however, could not agree on the terms for a Constitution or establishing an interim government. In June 1947, the British Government declared that it would bestow full dominion status upon two successor states--India and Pakistan, formed from areas in the subcontinent in which Muslims were the majority population. Under this arrangement, the various princely states could freely join either India or Pakistan. Accordingly, on August 14, 1947 Pakistan, comprising West Pakistan with the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP), and East Pakistan with the province of Bengal, became independent. East Pakistan later became the independent nation of Bangladesh in 1971.
The Maharaja of Kashmir was reluctant to make a decision on accession to either Pakistan or India. However, armed incursions into the state by tribesman from the NWFP led him to seek military assistance from India. The Maharaja signed accession papers in October 1947 and allowed Indian troops into the state. The Government of Pakistan, however, refused to recognize the accession and campaigned to reverse the decision. The status of Kashmir remains in dispute to this day.
Independence
With the death in 1948 of its first head of state, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the assassination in 1951 of its first prime minister, Liaqat Ali Khan, political instability and economic difficulty became prominent features of post-independence Pakistan. On October 7, 1958, President Iskander Mirza, with the support of the army, suspended the 1956 Constitution, imposed martial law, and canceled the elections scheduled for January 1959. Twenty days later the military sent Mirza into exile to Britain, and Gen. Mohammad Ayub Khan assumed control of a military dictatorship. After Pakistan’s loss in the 1965 war against India, Ayub Khan’s power declined. Subsequent political and economic grievances inspired agitation movements that compelled his resignation in March 1969. He handed over responsibility for governing to the commander in chief of the army, General Agha Mohammed Yahya Khan, who became President and Chief Martial Law Administrator.
General elections held in December 1970 polarized relations between the eastern and western sections of Pakistan. The Awami League, which advocated autonomy for the more populous East Pakistan, swept the East Pakistan seats to gain a majority in Pakistan as a whole. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), founded and led by Ayub Khan’s former Foreign Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, won a majority of the sea
Timeline of Key Events
1500 BCE – 500 BCE
Migrations of Indo-Aryan- speaking tribes; the Vedic Age.
Migrations of Indo-Aryan- speaking tribes; the Vedic Age.
563 BCE – 483 BCE
Life of Siddartha Gautama--the Buddha; founding of Buddhism.
Life of Siddartha Gautama--the Buddha; founding of Buddhism.
321 BCE – 180 BCE
Mauryan Empire; reign of Ashoka; spread of Buddhism.
Mauryan Empire; reign of Ashoka (r. ca. 274-236 B.C.); spread of Buddhism.
180 BCE – 150
Saka dynasties in Indus Valley.
Saka dynasties in Indus Valley.
78 – 200
Kushan Empire; Gandharan art flourishes.
Kushan Empire; Gandharan art flourishes.
319 – 600
Gupta Empire; classical age in northern India.
Gupta Empire; classical age in northern India.
711
Muhammad bin Qasim conquers Sindh and incorporates it into Umayyad Caliphate.
Muhammad bin Qasim, an Arab general, conquers Sindh and incorporates it into Umayyad Caliphate.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
When a child loses a tooth they wrap their tooth in cotton. At sunset they go to the river and thrwo their tooth in the water. It will bring them good luch. If no river is nearby, they will throw it in a good site, like a garden.
Pakistan's highest mountain K2, is in the Karakoram Range and is the second highest mountain in the world. K2 is 28,523 feet (8,617 meters). Films, fiction and documentary, have been made on the conquest of these formidable peaks.
The great Indus Valley civilization developed between 300 B.C. and 1500 B.C. or roughly at the same time as the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations.
The Pakistani are an ethnically diverse people.
Pakistan has the largest canal irrigation system in the world. Over 75% of cultivated land in Pakistan is irrigated by the Indus River.
The highest polo grounds in the world are nestled in the high hills of Northern Pakistan.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west
- Climate
- Seasonal temperatures vary widely in these five regions. With the exception of the Far North, summers are hot throughout the country with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 120°F and little nighttime relief. Trade winds provide some relief during the hot and humid summers in Karachi and a brief cool season comes between December and February. In Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, a distinct winter season brings daytime temperatures of 60°F or less and cold nights. Islamabad and Peshawar may have light frosts. Spring and fall are delightful seasons in these three cities. Altitude governs climate in the Far North, with pleasant summers in the lower regions and perpetual snow in the higher mountains. The average annual rainfall varies from 6 inches in Karachi, 15 inches in Peshawar, and 18 inches in Lahore, to about 30 inches in Islamabad. Most rain falls during the summer monsoon from July to September, although parts of the Punjab and the Northwest Frontier experience a moderate winter rainy season as well.
- Natural Hazards
- frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)
- Current Environmental Issues
- water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%
- Brahui
- Pashtu
- Punjabi
- Urdu
Population
- Population
- 231,402,117
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- Karachi 13.876 million; Lahore 7.566 million; Faisalabad 3.038 million; Rawalpindi 2.164 million; Multan 1.775 million; ISLAMABAD (capital) 919,000
- Nationality Noun
- Pakistani(s)
- Ethnic Groups
- Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India at the time of partition and their descendants)
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Health Information
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Pakistan has shown steady improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in healthcare access, vaccination programs, and reductions in infant and child mortality. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in Pakistan stands at approximately 66 to 67 years overall, with women generally living slightly longer than men. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 68 years, while male life expectancy is approximately 65 years. These figures represent meaningful progress compared to earlier generations. In the 1960s, life expectancy in Pakistan was below 45 years, meaning the country has added more than two decades of average lifespan over roughly 60 years. This improvement is attributed in large part to expanded immunization campaigns, better maternal and neonatal care, and broader access to clean water and sanitation in urban centers. Despite this progress, Pakistan still faces significant challenges that keep life expectancy lower than many of its regional neighbors and well below the global average of approximately 73 years. Infant and child mortality remain disproportionately high in rural and underserved areas, where access to qualified medical professionals and health facilities is limited. Preventable and treatable diseases such as tuberculosis, typhoid, and respiratory illnesses continue to be leading causes of death in certain communities. Malnutrition is another contributing factor, particularly among children under five, and stunted development in early life has long-term consequences for overall health and longevity. Urban-rural disparities are pronounced — residents of major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad tend to have access to better healthcare infrastructure, while communities in remote provinces such as Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa face considerably higher mortality risks. Pakistan's government, alongside international health organizations, has implemented various programs aimed at improving maternal health, reducing preventable deaths, and expanding primary healthcare networks into underserved regions. Climate-related challenges, including flooding and displacement, have introduced additional public health pressures in recent years, placing further strain on already limited healthcare resources. Continued investment across all of these areas is considered essential for further gains in life expectancy in the years ahead.
- Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
- high
Life Expectancy
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Pakistan has shown steady improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in healthcare access, vaccination programs, and reductions in infant and child mortality. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in Pakistan stands at approximately 66 to 67 years overall, with women generally living slightly longer than men. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 68 years, while male life expectancy is approximately 65 years. These figures represent meaningful progress compared to earlier generations. In the 1960s, life expectancy in Pakistan was below 45 years, meaning the country has added more than two decades of average lifespan over roughly 60 years. This improvement is attributed in large part to expanded immunization campaigns, better maternal and neonatal care, and broader access to clean water and sanitation in urban centers. Despite this progress, Pakistan still faces significant challenges that keep life expectancy lower than many of its regional neighbors and well below the global average of approximately 73 years. Infant and child mortality remain disproportionately high in rural and underserved areas, where access to qualified medical professionals and health facilities is limited. Preventable and treatable diseases such as tuberculosis, typhoid, and respiratory illnesses continue to be leading causes of death in certain communities. Malnutrition is another contributing factor, particularly among children under five, and stunted development in early life has long-term consequences for overall health and longevity. Urban-rural disparities are pronounced — residents of major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad tend to have access to better healthcare infrastructure, while communities in remote provinces such as Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa face considerably higher mortality risks. Pakistan's government, alongside international health organizations, has implemented various programs aimed at improving maternal health, reducing preventable deaths, and expanding primary healthcare networks into underserved regions. Climate-related challenges, including flooding and displacement, have introduced additional public health pressures in recent years, placing further strain on already limited healthcare resources. Continued investment across all of these areas is considered essential for further gains in life expectancy in the years ahead.
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Pakistan
- Full Country Name
- Islamic Republic of Pakistan
- Former Name
- West Pakistan
Government Structure
- Government Type
- federal republic
- Legal System
- based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
- Executive Branch
- note: Pakistan has undergone significant political transitions since the era of military rule under General Pervez Musharraf. Following years of democratic consolidation, the country has experienced continued political turbulence, including the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan via a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022, and his subsequent arrest and imprisonment in 2023. General elections held in February 2024 resulted in a coalition government, with Shehbaz Sharif elected as Prime Minister for a second time. Asif Ali Zardari was elected President in March 2024, returning to the office he previously held from 2008 to 2013. chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 9 March 2024) head of government: Prime Minister Shehbaz SHARIF (since 4 March 2024) cabinet: Federal Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the prime minister elections: the president is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial assemblies for a five-year term; the prime minister is selected by a majority vote of the National Assembly for a five-year term; general elections were last held on 8 February 2024 election results: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president on 9 March 2024, receiving a majority of Electoral College votes; Shehbaz SHARIF elected prime minister on 4 March 2024 with 201 votes in the National Assembly, heading a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led coalition government
- Legislative Branch
- Bicameral Parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the Senate (100 seats; members indirectly elected by provincial assemblies and the National Assembly to serve six-year terms, with half the members retiring every three years) and the National Assembly (336 seats; 60 seats reserved for women; 10 seats reserved for non-Muslim minorities; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms). Elections: Senate - last held in March 2024; National Assembly - last held on 8 February 2024. Election results: Senate results - seats by party following the 2024 elections include Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-affiliated independents, and various regional parties including Balochistan National Party and Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party, among others. National Assembly results - the February 2024 general elections saw seats distributed among PTI-backed independents emerging as the largest bloc, followed by PML-N and PPPP; a coalition government was subsequently formed under PML-N leadership, with Shehbaz Sharif elected Prime Minister. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) oversaw the polling across all four provinces and federally administered territories.
- Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president); Federal Islamic or Shari'a Court
- Suffrage
- 18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims
- Constitution
- 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments 30 December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored 31 December 2002
- Independence
- 14 August 1947 (from UK)
- National Holiday
- Republic Day, 23 March (1956)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Islamabad
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 33 41 N, 73 03 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
derived from two words: Islam, an Urdu word referring to the religion of Islam, and -abad, a Persian suffix indicating an "inhabited place" or "city," to render the meaning "City of Islam"
Military
Branches: Pakistan Army (includes National Guard), Pakistan Navy (includes Marines and Maritime Security Agency), Pakistan Air Force (Pakistan Fiza'ya)
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
U.S. Embassy in Islamabad
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5.
Telephone: (92-51) 208-0000
Consular Section telephone: (92-51) 208-2700
Fax: (92-51) 282-2632
Emergency Contact Information: (92-51) 208-0000
U.S. Consulate General in Karachi
The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi is located at Plot 3-5 New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road. U.S. citizens requiring emergency assistance should call the Consular Section in Karachi.
Telephone: (92-21) 3527-5000
Fax: (92-21) 3561-2420
Emergency Contact Information: (92-21) 3527-5000
U.S. Consulate General in Lahore
The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located on 50 Sharah-E-Abdul Hamid Bin Badees (Old Empress Road), near Shimla Hill Rotary.
Telephone: (92-42) 3603-4000
Fax: (92-42) 3603-4212
Emergency Contact Information: (92-42) 3603-4000
U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar
The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, Peshawar.
Telephone: (92-91) 526-8800
Fax: (92-91) 528-4171
Emergency Contact Information: (92-91) 526-8800
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Pakistan is a lower-middle-income country whose economic trajectory has been shaped by decades of political instability, structural weaknesses, low foreign investment, and persistent tensions with neighboring India. After years of boom-and-bust cycles, the country faced a severe balance-of-payments and debt crisis in 2022–2023, prompting Islamabad to negotiate a $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in 2023, followed by a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility approved in September 2024 to support stabilization and structural reforms.
GDP growth slowed sharply during the crisis, contracting in fiscal year 2023 before recovering modestly to around 2.5% in FY2024, with similar growth projected for FY2025. Inflation, which peaked above 29% in 2023, has eased significantly into single digits by 2024 as monetary tightening, exchange rate stabilization, and improved supply conditions took hold. The central bank has gradually cut its policy rate from a record 22% as price pressures subsided.
Persistent challenges include a narrow tax base, chronic fiscal deficits, circular debt in the energy sector, low export competitiveness, and vulnerability to climate shocks—underscored by the catastrophic 2022 floods, which caused over $30 billion in damages and losses. Agriculture remains a key driver of growth and employment, while textiles continue to dominate exports.
Foreign exchange reserves, which fell to critically low levels in early 2023, have since recovered to more sustainable levels, supported by IMF disbursements, bilateral rollovers from China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and resilient worker remittances exceeding $30 billion annually. Still, medium-term prospects hinge on sustained reform implementation, privatization of loss-making state enterprises, broadening the tax net, and attracting foreign investment, including through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Poverty reduction remains an urgent priority, with the World Bank estimating that around 40% of Pakistanis live below the poverty line.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- Pakistan Rupee (PKR)
- GDP — official exchange rate
- $89,550,000,000 (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 2.38%
- Gini Index
- 41
Banknotes
Budget & Public Finance
- Fiscal Year
- 1 July - 30 June
- Annual Budget
- $20,070,000,000 (USD)
- Public Debt (% of GDP)
- 54.3%
- External Debt
- $39,940,000,000 (USD)
- Investment (% of GDP)
- 15.3%
- Economic Aid
- $2,400,000,000 (USD)
- Current Account Balance
- -$1,430,000,000 (USD)
Labor, Industry & Trade
- Labor Force by Occupation
- agriculture 44%; industry 17%; services 39%
- Household Income — highest 10%
- 27.6%
- Industries
- textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp
- Agriculture Products
- cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk, beef, mutton, eggs
- Export Commodities
- textiles (garments, bed linen, cotton cloth, and yarn), rice, leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, manufactures, carpets and rugs
- Export Partners
- US 24.5%, UAE 8.4%, UK 7.2%, Germany 4.9%, Hong Kong 4.8%
- Import Commodities
- petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, plastics, transportation equipment, edible oils, paper and paperboard, iron and steel, tea
- Import Partners
- Saudi Arabia 11.8%, UAE 11.1%, Kuwait 6.8%, US 6.5%, China 6.3%, Japan 6%, Malaysia 4.6%, Germany 4.4%
Energy
- Oil Production
- 63,000 bbl/day
- Oil Consumption
- 365,000 bbl/day
- Oil Reserves
- 341,800,000 bbl/day
- Natural Gas Production
- 23,800,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Consumption
- 23,800,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Imports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Exports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Reserves
- 759,700,000,000 cu m
Communications
- Telephone System
- general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile-cellular networks; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, exceeding 110 million by the end of 2011, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; more than 90 percent of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage and more than half of all Pakistanis have access to a cell phone; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; fixed line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting fixed-line service to rural areas international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries
- Internet Country Code
- .pk
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Pakistan accused of fatally shooting 30 unarmed protesters in Kashmir - The Guardian
The Guardian · 6h ago
Pakistan: Authorities must lift communications blackout following reports of lethal force used against protesters amid elections - Amnesty International
Amnesty International · 11h ago
Outlawed political group accused of trying to sabotage elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir - The Hill
The Hill · 2h ago
West Indies vs Pakistan: Jayden Seales takes 5-20 as hosts take first Test by 90 runs - BBC
BBC · 4h ago
Pakistani researchers find link between the microbiome and premature birth - NPR
NPR · 1d ago
Clashes Erupt in Pakistani Kashmir as Voting in Local Election Begins - The New York Times
The New York Times · 5h ago
Will Pakistan intervene amid Houthi attacks on Saudi ships? - DW.com
DW.com · 13h ago
Authorities open fire amid election unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir - Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera · 15h ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
Seasonal temperatures vary widely in these five regions. With the exception of the Far North, summers are hot throughout the country with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 120°F and little nighttime relief. Trade winds provide some relief during the hot and humid summers in Karachi and a brief cool season comes between December and February. In Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, a distinct winter season brings daytime temperatures of 60°F or less and cold nights. Islamabad and Peshawar may have light frosts. Spring and fall are delightful seasons in these three cities. Altitude governs climate in the Far North, with pleasant summers in the lower regions and perpetual snow in the higher mountains.
The average annual rainfall varies from 6 inches in Karachi, 15 inches in Peshawar, and 18 inches in Lahore, to about 30 inches in Islamabad. Most rain falls during the summer monsoon from July to September, although parts of the Punjab and the Northwest Frontier experience a moderate winter rainy season as well.
Videos
Videos
2 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last reviewed 2026