Pakistan
Last update 24 October 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 4: Termination warning throughout the country (except in case of extreme necessity)
4
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The Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Islamabad, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna V, Plot 6/11; Islamabad, Pakistan
Telephone: 0092 51 2600846
Working hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 - 17:00
Consular Office:
Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 – 14:00 after a preliminary scheduled appointment
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/pakistan
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sofia, the Republic of Bulgaria
Address: Sofia, 36 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., Interpred, block A, floor 4, office 102
Telephone: +359 2 971 96 19
Fax: +359 2 971 01 94
E-mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Mr. Aslam Khaliq
Headquarters: Karachi
Consular District: Sindh and Baluchistan Provinces
Address: H No1, Street No9, Falcon Complex-Faisal, Shaheed-e-millat Rd, Karachi, Pakistan; SNPA-7A, Block-3, Delhi Mercantle Co-operate Housing Society, Karachi-74800, Pakistan
Phone: +92 21 34314255; +92 21 34530361; +92 21 34530362
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Mr. Saad Ali Khan
Headquarters: Lahore
Consular District: Punjab Province
Address: House 230-A, Street 13, E – 7, Islamabad, Pakistan; House 232, Z Block Defense Housing Authority, Phase III, Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: +92 51 2652167; +92 51 2652875
Fax: +92 51 2652522
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Faisal Saleem Rahman
Headquarters: Peshawar
Consular District: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
Address: 6 Park Avenue, University Town, Peshawar
Phone: + 92 91 7250078; + 92 91 7250079
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
Security level:
The security situation in Pakistan is complex and unpredictable. There is a high terrorist threat, especially in the border areas with Afghanistan. Attacks are carried out mainly on religious, ethnic and political grounds, most often by detonating improvised explosive devices and by suicide acts. The actions of terrorist and separatist groups have mainly targeted Pakistani law enforcement and political figures, but attacks on foreign nationals have not been ruled out. Public places such as hotels, restaurants, transport centres, markets and other locations frequently visited by tourists may be targeted. In this respect, it is advisable to use accommodation with a high level of security, bearing in mind that there are no fully secure public facilities. Visits to mosques during mass religious gatherings, including the traditional Friday prayer, should be avoided.
There is a risk of demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience for political and socio-economic reasons, which in some cases could escalate into bloodshed and lead to loss of life and material damage. Foreign visitors are advised to avoid places where political rallies, religious and other processions are held.
Criminal activity is a serious problem. Cases of robbery, including armed robbery, and rape are frequently reported in various parts of the country, especially in the major cities. Kidnappings for ransom are common. Petty crime (theft of mobile phones, cash, credit cards and passports) is also prevalent.
The road infrastructure in many parts of the country, including in the frequently visited by tourists northern areas of Pakistan, is in a poor state and travelling by land transport is risky. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the cancellation of domestic flights is a regular practice.
In the event of an emergency, those in need can turn to the local authorities for help on line number 15.
It is advisable to avoid travelling to areas where military operations are taking place and where terrorist organisations are active, such as the Azad Kashmir region, Balochistan province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including Swat, Peshawar city, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Healthcare:
Health insurance is recommended! There are specialized and well-functioning health facilities in the major cities of the country, but nationally health care is not at the level needed.
Recommended vaccines and personal hygiene advice:
In spring and summer, there is an increased risk of contracting dengue fever and malaria. Gastrointestinal disorders caused by contaminated water and food are common. For prolonged stays, typhoid, hepatitis and tetanus vaccines are recommended.
It is advisable to avoid using tap water for drinking and to disinfect fruit and vegetables before consumption.
Specifics of the local legislation:
Compliance with religious and social norms in Pakistan, including with regard to dress, is important. Wearing clothes that contour or do not cover the body well, especially for women, is contrary to local practice. Outside big cities, it is advisable for women to cover their heads with a scarf.
The use of alcohol is prohibited in Pakistan and is punishable by fine or imprisonment of the offenders.
The penalties for possession or use of drugs are severe - heavy fines, imprisonment or deportation.
Drug trafficking, murder, rape and blasphemy could lead to a death sentence.
Homosexuality and cohabitation without marriage are not allowed. Photography of government offices, military installations and airports is prohibited. The country has a restrictive travel regime to a number of areas. Upon arrival in Pakistan, foreign nationals should duly inform themselves through their diplomatic missions or local authorities of the current restrictions.
It is advisable to avoid travel to high risk areas such as Azad Kashmir, the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Balochistan province.
Customs requirements:
Customs requirements for Pakistan can be downloaded from HERE.
Road traffic:
The road traffic in the country is in the left side. The roads, except for the main highways, are not in good condition. Road accidents are frequent. Public transport and taxis are not recommended.
To drive a motor vehicle in Pakistan, foreign nationals are required to hold a valid international driving licence.
Practical advice:
It is recommended that Bulgarian citizens, upon arrival in Pakistan, register at the Consular Office of the Embassy in Islamabad. This is necessary in order for the Embassy to provide assistance in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters, riots, etc.
Local currency:
Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
Travel papers and visas
A full visa regime is in force for all passport categories. Applying for a Pakistani visa is done online at: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/.
For more information, Bulgarian citizens who wish to visit Pakistan should contact the Consular Office with the Embassy of Pakistan in Sofia.
Competitive service
In case of need, Bulgarian citizens visiting Pakistan can rely on consular assistance from the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Islamabad. It should be borne in mind that access by consular officials to restricted areas of the country requires special permission from the local authorities, which takes time to be obtained.
Issuance of identity documents:
The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Islamabad can issue identity documents - passport and identity card. The procedure may take between one and two months. It also issues Emergency Travel Documents. if necessary.
Civil status:
The Embassy registers civil status cases - birth, marriage or death - and issues the necessary documents free of charge.
Fees:
- Certification of the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan - regular service: EUR 20.00; express service: EUR 40.00;
- Certification of signature — regular service: EUR 15:00; express service: EUR 30.00.
Certifications and legalizations:
The Consular Office of the Embassy shall certify the seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, as well as certify signatures.