Planning a workation in Lahore? Or a business trip to Karachi or Islamabad? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Pakistan, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Islamabad
Telephone code
+92
Official language
Urdu, English
Currency
Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
Time zone
UTC+5
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. Bosnia and Herzegovina has social security agreements with several countries, available here, to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed bilateral tax treaties with numerous countries that specify the steps to take to avoid double taxation, available here. These treaties generally follow international standards and provide guidelines for various types of income, including employment income.
Despite the existence of tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the employer may be required to:
- Register the company locally
- Allocate profits to the local business (branch)
- File corporate taxes
- Comply with various local regulations
To avoid this scenario, follow the guidelines mentioned in the "Working" section.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. Find out the most recent information about the minimum wage in Bosnia and Herzegovina here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Pakistan, here's a quick overview:
- E-Visa: Available for many nationalities through the online portal
- Visa-Free Entry: Available only to a limited number of nationalities
- Standard Visa: Available through Pakistani diplomatic missions
- Visa on Arrival: Available for certain nationalities with prior approval
- Digital Nomad Visa: Pakistan does not currently offer a digital nomad visa program.
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
For those planning business trips to Pakistan:
- E-Visa: Available for business visitors from many countries
- Visa-Free Entry: Limited to very few nationalities
- Standard Visa: Required for most nationalities
- Visa on Arrival: Available for selected nationalities with prior approval
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Pakistan work from Monday to Friday, with some organizations working half-day on Saturday. The standard workweek consists of 48 hours. The workday is typically running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break of 1 hour in between. During Ramadan, working hours are usually reduced.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
National holidays:
- January 1: New Year's Day
- February 5: Kashmir Day
- March 23: Pakistan Day
- May 1: Labor Day
- August 14: Independence Day
- November 9: Iqbal Day
- December 25: Quaid-e-Azam Day/Christmas
Islamic holidays (dates vary):
- Eid ul-Fitr (3 days)
- Eid ul-Adha (3 days)
- Ashura (2 days)
- Eid Milad-un-Nabi
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. Pakistan currently has not enacted data protection legislation per se similar to data protection legislation enacted in other countries of the world, however the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (“PECA 2016”) at present serves the same purpose to a certain extent. Additionally, a draft of the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 (“PDPB”) has been introduced. Thus, the regulation and enforcement of data protection law in Pakistan is currently characterised as limited. That means the data protection laws are minimal or underdeveloped, offering only basic safeguards. The country likely relies on voluntary compliance or international standards rather than local enforcement. Learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Pakistan for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
The number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan continues to rise, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, including their provincial capitals, Quetta and Peshawar. Travel to these areas is strongly advised against. The threat of bombings and suicide attacks is widespread, with groups such as the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), and Baloch separatists increasing their activities.
Key areas at risk:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, particularly the "merged districts."
- Major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi, especially during Friday prayers and Islamic holidays like Ramadan.
- Targets include military forces, security services, police, infrastructure, religious sites (mosques, shrines, churches), and ethnic minorities. Demonstrations may also be targeted.
Increased risks:
- Kidnappings are a particular concern in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Karachi is also prone to attacks and clashes involving religious, ethnic, and criminal motivations.
Safety recommendations
- Consult Local Experts: Before traveling, check with local experts or Pakistani authorities to understand the current security situation, especially regarding areas that may be off-limits to tourists.
- Expect Security Checks: Be prepared for regular security checks and possible short-term travel restrictions, especially in high-risk areas.
- Stay Vigilant in Crowded Areas: Exercise heightened awareness in busy areas, such as markets, shopping districts, and places frequented by foreigners, particularly during special occasions or public holidays.
- Avoid Large Crowds: Steer clear of large gatherings, political demonstrations, and religious sites, especially on Fridays and during Islamic holidays (e.g., Ramadan).
- Follow Global Safety Advisories: Always stay informed about global safety advisories and heed any warnings or instructions from local authorities or security forces.
Crime
Crime rates, particularly violent crime, are on the rise in Pakistan, especially in major cities. Robberies and murders are common across the country, with Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Karachi being hotspots. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and other street crimes are widespread, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners.
Vulnerabilities in urban areas:
- Karachi is especially prone to both violent and petty crime.
- Pedestrians are at higher risk of robbery at night.
- Common targets include passports, credit cards, and mobile devices, with credit card fraud being a frequent issue.
- ATM withdrawals and stops at major intersections at night are considered high-risk areas for robberies.
Kidnapping risks:
- Foreign nationals have been kidnapped in areas like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent years.
Safety recommendations
- Coordinate Travel Plans: Always plan your trip with reliable local partners who are familiar with the security situation, especially if traveling to high-risk areas like Karachi, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Avoid Walking After Dark: Limit walking around the city after dark.
- Limit Exposure of Valuables: Avoid displaying valuables (e.g., jewelry, mobile devices) in public, even during the day.
- Secure Documents: Keep important documents (IDs, driver's licenses, passports) safe. It's advisable to keep electronic copies or photos for easier replacement in case of theft or loss.
- Cashless Payments: Use cashless payments when possible. Carry only the cash needed for the day, and leave unnecessary valuables behind.
- Stay Alert in Crowded Areas: Be especially vigilant in places like airports, train stations, and public transport, where thefts are common.
- Beware of Scams: Be cautious of unfamiliar emails, phone calls, lottery notifications, and requests for help from alleged acquaintances. Always verify the legitimacy of such communications and, if in doubt, contact the police.
Northern areas
- Temperature ranges:
- Summer: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Winter: Below 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
- Heavy snowfall in winter
- Pleasant summers
- Alpine conditions
Central plains
- Temperature ranges:
- Summer: 35°C to 45°C (95°F to 113°F)
- Winter: 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)
- Hot and dry summers
- Mild winters
- Monsoon season (July-September)
Coastal areas (Karachi)
- Temperature ranges:
- Summer: 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F)
- Winter: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- High humidity
- Milder winters
- Occasional cyclones
Airports
Jinnah International Airport (KHI)
- Location: Karachi
- When to use: Main international hub, business center access
Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
- Location: Islamabad
- When to use: Capital region, diplomatic travel
Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)
- Location: Lahore
- When to use: Cultural center, business district access
Train stations
Karachi Cantonment Station
Main connections:
- Services to all major cities
- Business express to Lahore
- Coastal routes
- Local connections
Lahore Railway Station
Main connections:
- Services to Islamabad/Rawalpindi
- Routes to Karachi
- Regional connections
- Business express services
Islamabad/Rawalpindi Station
Main connections:
- Capital connection routes
- Northern areas access
- Services to major cities
- Local links
Additional services:
- Business Express trains
- Overnight services between major cities
- Air-conditioned classes
- Premium services on main routes
Ride-hailing services
Public transportation
Inter-City Services
Rail network:
- Connects all major cities
- Multiple service classes
- Express routes available
- Overnight options
Bus services:
- Daewoo Express
- Faisal Movers
- Bilal Travels
- Air-conditioned coaches
Urban networks:
Lahore:
- Metro Bus System
- Orange Line Metro
- Local buses
- Feeder routes
Karachi:
- Bus Rapid Transit
- Public buses
- Minibuses
- Circular railway
Islamabad:
- Metro Bus System
- Local buses
- Twin city connections
- Shuttle services