How to Call Pakistan
Complete guide to dialing Pakistan (country code +92)
Planning to make a call to Pakistan but not sure where to start? Whether you're connecting with family, friends, or business contacts, understanding how to call Pakistan correctly can save you time, money, and frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Pakistan from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, including country codes and area codes, highlight common mistakes people make when placing international calls, and share essential phone etiquette tips to ensure smooth conversations. You'll also discover useful emergency numbers and important contacts in Pakistan. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making calls to Pakistan hassle-free.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Pakistan from abroad, follow this format: Exit Code + 92 + Area Code (without 0) + Local Number
Pakistan's country code is +92. When dialing internationally, always remove the leading zero from Pakistani phone numbers.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 92 (Pakistan country code)
- Dial the area code without the leading zero
- Dial the local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 92 (Pakistan country code)
- Dial the area code without the leading zero
- Dial the local number
From Other Countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00 or 011), then follow the same pattern.
Specific Examples
Example 1 - Karachi Landline:
- Local format: 021-1234-5678
- From USA: 011-92-21-1234-5678
- From UK: 00-92-21-1234-5678
Example 2 - Lahore Landline:
- Local format: 042-8765-4321
- From USA: 011-92-42-8765-4321
- From UK: 00-92-42-8765-4321
Example 3 - Pakistani Mobile Number:
- Local format: 0300-1234567
- From USA: 011-92-300-1234567
- From UK: 00-92-300-1234567
Example 4 - Islamabad Landline:
- Local format: 051-2345-678
- From USA: 011-92-51-2345-678
- From UK: 00-92-51-2345-678
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Pakistani numbers begin with 0 when dialed domestically (like 0300 for mobiles or 021 for Karachi). Always drop this leading zero when calling internationally. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Pakistan.
Mobile numbers in Pakistan typically start with 03XX, and major city codes include Karachi (21), Lahore (42), and Islamabad (51).
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Common Mistakes
When calling Pakistan, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Pakistani phone numbers often display with a leading zero (like 021 for Karachi), but this zero must be removed when dialing internationally. Instead of dialing +92-021, dial +92-21 followed by the local number.
Using incorrect exit codes: Many people dial "00" as the international exit code, which works in most countries but not all. In the US and Canada, you need "011" instead. To avoid confusion, use the "+" symbol (usually by holding "0" on mobile phones), which automatically applies the correct exit code.
Confusing the country code with area codes: Pakistan's country code is +92, not to be confused with city codes like 21 (Karachi), 42 (Lahore), or 51 (Islamabad). Always dial +92 first, then the city code without the zero.
Including unnecessary spaces or dashes: While formatting like +92-21-1234-5678 helps readability, some phone systems reject calls with improper spacing. When in doubt, dial all digits continuously: +922112345678.
Not accounting for mobile versus landline formats: Pakistani mobile numbers start with 3 and require all digits after the country code.
Cultural Etiquette
In Pakistan, phone etiquette reflects the country's warm and respectful culture. Understanding these customs helps build stronger personal and professional relationships.
Greetings matter significantly. Begin calls with "Assalam-o-Alaikum" (peace be upon you), the traditional Islamic greeting. In business contexts, follow with a polite inquiry about the person's well-being before discussing your purpose. This shows respect and isn't considered time-wasting.
Distinguish between business and personal calls. Business calls should be more formal, using titles like "Sir," "Madam," or professional designations. Personal calls can be warmer and longer, as Pakistanis value relationship-building through conversation.
Timing is important. Avoid calling during prayer times (five times daily), especially Friday afternoon prayers. For business calls, stick to office hours (9 AM-5 PM). Evening calls (7-9 PM) work well for personal matters, but avoid calling after 10 PM unless it's urgent.
Formality depends on context. Start formal with new contacts and elders. Younger people and established relationships allow more casual conversation, though maintaining respect remains essential.
Voice messages are commonly used. Many Pakistanis prefer WhatsApp voice notes for non-urgent matters, as they're convenient and personal.
Cultural considerations include respecting Ramadan schedules when people fast and adjusting call times accordingly. Also, expect conversations to be lengthier than in Western cultures—rushing through calls may seem rude.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers:
- Police (Emergency): 15
- Ambulance (Rescue Services): 1122
- Fire Department: 16
- Edhi Ambulance Service: 115
- Women's Helpline: 1091
- Child Protection Helpline: 1121
- Disaster Management (NDMA): 1166
- Tourist Police (Major Cities): 1422
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both mobile and landline phones throughout Pakistan. The 1122 service, operated by Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122), provides 24/7 ambulance, rescue, and fire services in most provinces. While operators primarily speak Urdu, English-speaking assistance is available in major cities. Response times vary significantly between urban and rural areas. For non-emergency police matters, contact your local police station directly. Keep these numbers saved in your phone, as network connectivity can be unreliable in remote regions.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 17 - Directory Assistance for local and national numbers
International Services
- 00 - International Operator for placing overseas calls
- +92 51 - Country code and Islamabad prefix for embassy contacts
Tourist & Travel Assistance
- 051-111-888-477 - Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Helpline
- 1422 - Tourist Police Helpline for visitor safety and assistance
Consular Services
Contact your embassy directly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or call directory assistance for current numbers, as they frequently change.
Other Useful Numbers
- 111-22-55-77 - National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)
- 080-0-2-34-56 - Consumer Rights Commission
- 1199 - Punjab Women Helpline
- 1043 - Citizens Portal for government services
Keep these numbers accessible when traveling or residing in Pakistan for non-emergency situations requiring official assistance or information.
Tips for Calling Pakistan
When calling Pakistan, timing is crucial for successful connections. Pakistan operates on Pakistan Standard Time (PKT), which is UTC+5, with no daylight saving changes throughout the year.
Best Times to Call
For international callers, early morning or late evening in your timezone often aligns with Pakistan's business hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Avoid calling during Friday prayers (12:00-3:00 PM), when most businesses close.
Peak vs Off-Peak
Off-peak calling (typically evenings and weekends) may offer lower rates with your carrier. However, for business purposes, stick to standard working hours for better response rates.
Scheduling Recommendations
Always schedule business calls in advance. Email or message your contact beforehand to confirm availability, especially given potential time zone confusion.
Days to Avoid
Be mindful of Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, plus Pakistan's national holidays (March 23, August 14). During Ramadan, business hours often shift earlier.
Communication Tips
Speak clearly and slightly slower than usual, as connection quality varies. Have a backup communication method ready, and consider using apps like WhatsApp, which is widely popular in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Pakistan is +92. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Pakistan from anywhere in the world.
To call Pakistan from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 92 (Pakistan's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and then the local phone number.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the area code when calling Pakistan internationally. For example, if the area code is 021 (Karachi), dial +92 21 followed by the local number.
The cheapest way to call Pakistan is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Pakistan.
Important emergency numbers in Pakistan include: 15 for police, 1122 for emergency rescue services, 115 for fire brigade, and 1021 for edhi ambulance service. These numbers can be dialed from any phone within Pakistan.
Yes, you can call Pakistan directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, enter the Pakistani phone number, and start calling without any downloads or installations required.
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