Pakistan (Islamic Republic of)

Pakistan (Islamic Republic of)

History of Relations

South Africa and Pakistan established full diplomatic relations in April 1994. South Africa's first High Commissioner took up office in Islamabad in July 1995. Pakistan established a High Commission in Pretoria in December 1993.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Pakistan

Vacant
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African High Commission

Pakistani Representation in South Africa

H E Mr Z U Azam
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Pakistan High Commission in Pretoria.

Health Requirements

South Africans need proof of immunisation against yellow fever. There are no other immunisation requirements for tourists. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, diphtheria and tetanus are however strongly advisable. Malaria occurs all year round throughout Pakistan and medical advice should be sought on preventive medication prior to visiting Pakistan.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Pakistan has three clearly distinguishable seasons: cool (autumn to winter, October through February), hot/dry (spring, March to June) and hot/wet (summer, July to September). There are, however, big regional variations. The capital Islamabad is hot and humid in summer. Temperatures generally exceed mid-30's from May to August and reach between 40 and 44 degrees Celsius for a few weeks in June/July. Winter temperatures in the capital average 2 to 10 degrees Celsius.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Pakistan Rupee (not to be confused with the Indian Rupee), abbreviated to Rs. The current rate of exchange is about Rs60 to the US dollar. The currency is freely convertible.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section at 012 351 0872/0851/0837.

Trade Info

South Africa's main exports to Pakistan include synthetic staple fibre, hot rolled & flat rolled steel products, stainless steel, iron, chemicals, newsprint and uncoated craft paper, pig iron, ferro-alloys, scrap metal and preservatives. Pakistan's main exports to South Africa include woollen fabrics, synthetic staple fibres and cotton, leather goods, bed and table linen, footwear, cotton yarn and fish.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Pakistan, visit the web site of the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa

Interest Groups and Information

No Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Pakistan's population?

A: Pakistan has an estimated 140 million people which makes it the seventh most populous country in the world (following Russia and ahead of Japan).

Q: What is the literacy rate in Pakistan?

A: Total literacy stands at 37.8% (1995). The literacy rate for females are 24.4% and for males 50%.

Q: What languages are spoken in Pakistan?

A: The national language is Urdu, but English is commonly used by the Pakistani elite and most government ministries. Regional languages include Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Baluchi.

Q: What is Pakistan's main religion?

A: 97% of the population are Muslim, of which 77% are Sunnis and 20% Shites. Christians, Hindus and other minority religious groups make up the remaining 3%.