Public Holidays

Dec 06 - 08 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramandan).
Dec 25 Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday.
Feb 12 2003 Eid ul-Azha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Mar 14 Ashoura.
Mar 23 Pakistan Day.
May 14 Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
Aug 14 Independence Day.
Nov 09 Allama Muhammad Iqbal Day.
Nov 26 - 28 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramandan).
Dec 25 Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday.
Feb 02 2004 Eid ul-Azha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Mar 02 Ashoura.
Mar 23 Pakistan Day.
May 02 Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
Aug 14 Independence Day.
Nov 09 Allama Muhammad Iqbal Day.
Nov 14 - 16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramandan).
Dec 25 Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday.

Health Risks

Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of all travellers coming from any part of a country in which yellow fever is endemic. Infants under six months of age are exempt if the mother’s vaccination certificate shows her to have been vaccinated prior to the child’s birth. Countries and areas within the endemic zone are regarded as infected.

Cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

Malaria risk exists throughout the year in all areas.

FOOD AND DRINK : All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

OTHER RISKS : Hepatitis A and E occur and hepatitis B is endemic. Trachoma and typhoid fever are common. Between June and January, Japanese encephalitis is a risk in rural areas. Dengue fever may also occur. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

HEALTH CARE : Medical facilities can be very limited. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.

NOTE : A certificate proving the visitor to be HIV-negative is required if planning on staying over one year in the country.

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