If you’ve ever wondered what the Pakistan international code is or how to call a Pakistani number from abroad, this guide has you covered. Pakistan’s international dialing code is +92. Understanding how to use it correctly ensures your calls go through, whether to a mobile in Lahore, a landline in Karachi, or a phone abroad using messaging apps.
By the end of this article, you’ll know the correct dialing rules, number formats, city codes, mobile prefixes, and common mistakes to avoid when calling Pakistan.
What Is the Pakistan International Code?
The Country Code: +92 — What It Means
Every country has a unique numeric code used for international phone calls. Pakistan’s code is +92, which signals to phone networks that the call is heading to Pakistan.
When dialing from another country, you start with your own international access prefix (like “+” on mobile phones or “00/011” on landlines), followed by 92, then the local number without the leading “0” used domestically.
Who Assigns It
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assigns country codes globally. Within Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regulates numbering, including area codes, mobile prefixes, and landline formats.
How to Dial Pakistani Numbers from Abroad
Step-by-Step Dialing Process
To call Pakistan from another country:
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Dial your country’s international access code (mobile: “+”, landline: “00/011”).
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Enter 92 — Pakistan’s country code.
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Add the area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix (for mobiles) without the leading “0”.
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Dial the subscriber number.
Examples:
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Mobile: 0300 1234567 → +92 300 1234567
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Landline (Karachi): 021 34567890 → +92 21 34567890
Why You Must Drop the Leading “0”
Inside Pakistan, numbers start with “0” for long-distance or trunk calls. When dialing internationally, the “0” is replaced by the country code. Including it can result in a call failure.
Format of Pakistan Phone Numbers
Pakistan numbers follow the international E.164 standard. The general structure:
| Number Type | Domestic Format | International Format |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 0300 1234567 | +92 300 1234567 |
| Landline | 021 34567890 (Karachi) | +92 21 34567890 |
| Landline | 042 23456789 (Lahore) | +92 42 23456789 |
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NDC = National Destination Code (area code for landlines, mobile prefix for mobiles)
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Subscriber number = unique user number (typically 7–8 digits)
Using this format ensures smooth international calling and app compatibility.
Major City Area Codes in Pakistan
When dialing a landline, you must use the correct area code. Some major cities:
| City / Region | Area Code (International Use) |
|---|---|
| Karachi | 21 |
| Lahore | 42 |
| Islamabad / Rawalpindi | 51 |
| Faisalabad | 41 |
| Peshawar | 91 |
| Quetta | 81 |
| Hyderabad (Sindh) | 22 |
| Multan | 61 |
| Gujranwala | 55 |
| Sialkot | 52 |
Note: Smaller towns may have 3–5 digit area codes. Always check before dialing.
Mobile Numbers — How They Work
Pakistani mobile numbers start with 03xx. Each prefix is associated with a network provider:
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Jazz: 0300, 0301, 0302…
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Zong
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Telenor
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Ufone
International dialing example:
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Domestic: 0345 7654321 → International: +92 345 7654321
This format works for calls, SMS, and apps like WhatsApp.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
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Mistake: Including the leading “0” when dialing internationally
Fix: Use +92 and drop the “0”. -
Mistake: Saving numbers without +92
Fix: Save all numbers in international format for apps and travel. -
Mistake: Confusing area and mobile codes
Fix: Numbers starting with 03 = mobile, others = landline. -
Mistake: Adding unnecessary symbols (parentheses, dashes)
Fix: Use clean format: +923001234567 or +922134567890
Best Practices for Saving & Sharing Pakistani Numbers
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Always save numbers with the +92 prefix.
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Use E.164 format in CRMs, WhatsApp, and phonebooks.
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Avoid extra characters or leading zeros.
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Verify if the number is a mobile or a landline.
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Keep a reference list of major area codes.
Scenario Examples:
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Traveling abroad → WhatsApp messages continue to work.
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Business database → consistent formatting prevents dialing errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the country code for Pakistan?
A: The country code for Pakistan is +92.
Q: Do I need to add +92 when saving my number in WhatsApp or Contacts?
A: Yes, this ensures global usability and prevents registration issues.
Q: How do I call a landline in Lahore from abroad?
A: Dial +92 42 followed by the landline number (omit the leading “0”).
Q: Can I call a Pakistani mobile from the UK using +92?
A: Yes, dial +92, then the mobile prefix without “0”, then the subscriber number.
Q: What happens if I dial with the leading zero?
A: The call may fail because international networks expect the proper format.
Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet
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International format template: +92 [area/mobile code without 0] [subscriber number]
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Mobile example: +92 300 1234567
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Landline example: +92 21 34567890 (Karachi) / +92 42 23456789 (Lahore)
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Major area codes: Karachi 21, Lahore 42, Islamabad/Rawalpindi 51, Faisalabad 41, Peshawar 91
Conclusion
The Pakistan international code is +92. Correct usage is crucial for seamless international calling, messaging, and business communications. Always drop the leading zero, save numbers in international format, and double-check area or mobile codes. Following this guide ensures you can call, text, or use apps with Pakistani numbers without any errors.
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