The code 022 in Pakistan is the National Direct Dialing (NWD) area code specifically assigned to the city of Hyderabad. This code is used when making landline telephone calls to Hyderabad from other cities within Pakistan.
Understanding Pakistan's Area Codes
In Pakistan, a system of area codes is used to facilitate telephone calls to specific geographical regions. These codes, often referred to as National Direct Dialing (NWD) codes, are crucial for connecting calls between different cities and towns across the country. Each major city or region has a unique numerical prefix that precedes the local seven or eight-digit telephone number.
Hyderabad, a significant city in the Sindh province, utilizes 022 as its designated area code. When dialing a landline number in Hyderabad from another Pakistani city, you would first dial 022, followed by the local subscriber's telephone number.
How to Use the 022 Area Code
Using the 022 area code depends on whether you are calling within Pakistan or from an international location.
-
Calling within Pakistan (long-distance):
- Dial
022+local 7-digit telephone number. - Example: To call a Hyderabad landline with the number
1234567, you would dial022 1234567.
- Dial
-
Calling from internationally:
- Dial
+92(Pakistan's country code) +22(area code without the leading zero) +local 7-digit telephone number. - Example: To call the same Hyderabad landline from outside Pakistan, you would dial
+92 22 1234567.
- Dial
Key Area Codes in Pakistan
Pakistan's telephone numbering plan assigns various area codes to its cities. Here are some common examples:
| Area Code | City/Region | Example Usage (within Pakistan) |
|---|---|---|
| 021 | Karachi | 021 XXXXXXXX |
| 022 | Hyderabad | 022 XXXXXXX |
| 040 | Sahiwal | 040 XXXXXXX |
| 042 | Lahore | 042 XXXXXXX |
| 051 | Islamabad | 051 XXXXXXX |
| 061 | Multan | 061 XXXXXXX |
Note: The number of digits for local telephone numbers (represented by X's) can vary slightly by city or service provider, but generally range from 7 to 8 digits.
Practical Insights
- Local Calls: If you are within Hyderabad and calling another landline number within Hyderabad, you do not need to dial the 022 area code. You would simply dial the local 7-digit number.
- Mobile Numbers: Mobile phone numbers in Pakistan follow a different numbering scheme and do not use city-specific area codes like landlines. They typically start with a three-digit mobile network code (e.g., 03XX).
- Emergency Services: Emergency numbers (like 15 for Police or 1122 for Rescue) are short codes and do not require any area code, regardless of location within Pakistan.
Understanding these area codes is essential for anyone making telephone calls to or within Pakistan, ensuring that calls are routed correctly to their intended destination. For more comprehensive information on Pakistan's telephone numbering plan, you can refer to resources like Telephone numbers in Pakistan.
