Quick answer: +92 is Pakistan. Mobiles have 10 digits after +92 and start with 3. Landlines have 9 or 10 digits after +92. If the number you were given starts with 0, drop the 0. Example:
+92 300 123 4567.
How to dial Pakistan
| Calling from | Dial |
|---|---|
| Any mobile phone | +92 + number without the 0 |
| US or Canada landline | 011 92 + number without the 0 |
| UK, UAE or Saudi Arabia landline | 00 92 + number without the 0 |
| Australia landline | 0011 92 + number without the 0 |
Pakistanis write numbers with a leading 0, like 0300 1234567 or 021 3456 7890. That 0 is only for calls inside Pakistan. From abroad, leave it out: 0300 1234567 becomes +92 300 1234567.
Mobile and landline numbers
Mobiles are 10 digits starting with 3, written 03xx xxxxxxx at home. The 3 digits after the 0 show the network the number was issued on, but people can switch network and keep the number.
Landlines are an area code plus a local number. Big cities have 2-digit codes. Karachi and Lahore local numbers have 8 digits; most other cities have 7, and small towns have longer codes with 6-digit local numbers.
| City | Area code in Pakistan | From abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 021 | +92 21 + 8 digits |
| Lahore | 042 | +92 42 + 8 digits |
| Islamabad and Rawalpindi | 051 | +92 51 + local number |
| Faisalabad | 041 | +92 41 + local number |
| Multan | 061 | +92 61 + local number |
| Peshawar | 091 | +92 91 + local number |
| Quetta | 081 | +92 81 + local number |
| Hyderabad | 022 | +92 22 + local number |
| Sialkot | 052 | +92 52 + local number |
| Gujranwala | 055 | +92 55 + local number |
If a Karachi or Lahore number has only 7 digits after the area code, it predates July 2009, when both cities moved to 8 digits. Most numbers gained a 3 in front; numbers that already started with 9 gained another 9.
Codes that get mixed up with +92
+91 is India, +93 is Afghanistan and +94 is Sri Lanka.
Time difference
Pakistan is on PKT (UTC+5) all year, with no daylight saving time. The gap changes only when your own clocks change.
| Where you are | Your clocks on summer time | Your clocks on standard time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Pakistan is 4h ahead | Pakistan is 5h ahead |
| US East Coast | Pakistan is 9h ahead | Pakistan is 10h ahead |
| US West Coast | Pakistan is 12h ahead | Pakistan is 13h ahead |
| UAE | Pakistan is 1h ahead all year | |
| Saudi Arabia | Pakistan is 2h ahead all year | |
A 10 PM call from New York reaches Pakistan at 7 AM the next day in the US summer and at 8 AM in the US winter.
Prefer calling over WiFi? See our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.
FAQ
How do I dial a 111 (UAN) number from abroad?
Treat it like a landline. A UAN written 021 111 123 456 becomes +92 21 111 123 456. Use the city code the company lists, such as 21 for Karachi or 42 for Lahore.
Can I call a Pakistani 0800 toll-free number from abroad?
Usually not. 0800 numbers are set up for callers inside Pakistan. Look for the company's UAN or regular landline instead.