It’s estimated that Pakistan comes into the top 10 destinations where international calls are made from the UK. Despite the relatively low price per minute in comparison to some other countries, a lot of carriers in the UK charge a lot to make calls to Pakistan.
Don’t want to read the whole post on how much to call Pakistan from UK?
Most UK mobile and landline providers charge excessive rates for international calls. Instead of paying up to £4.21 per minute, switch to Plexatalk—our VoIP service that includes minutes to Pakistan in your plan, saving you money on both personal and business calls.
The rates to Pakistan are so cheap, we include them in our inclusive minutes. You can check out our domestic pricing here and business pricing here.
How much to call Pakistan from the UK via Mobile?
This one can be a bit tricky as many providers offer deals that come and go, so this information will be up-to-date at the time we pubish it but it may be that bundles or plans come up. We’re going to go into the main UK mobile providers:
- O2: £2.24
- Vodafone: £2.00
- Three (3): £2.50
- EE: £4.21
With these rates, a 10-minute call could cost up to £42 on EE—ridiculous! If you frequently call Pakistan from a mobile, it’s worth looking at alternative options.
The prices above don’t take into account bundles and plans.
How much to call Pakistan from a UK landline?
Just like mobile providers, a lot of landline providers have bundles and deals too on international calls. Often they put different countries into different bands.
BT Standard Rates (Pakistan)
- Daytime (Mon-Fri, 7 AM – 7 PM): 35.7p per minute
- Evenings & Weekends: 31.3p per minute
TalkTalk
- 33p per minute (flat rate)
Sky
- Daytime: 29.90p
- Evening & Weekend: 26.20p
While these are lower than mobile rates, the costs still add up, and you’re limited to calling from a landline.
The prices above don’t take into account bundles and plans.
VoIP – A Smarter Way to Call Pakistan
What is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lets you make calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. This means lower costs, better flexibility, and no per-minute rip-offs from big providers.
Why Choose Plexatalk?
Unlike traditional mobile and landline services, we include calls to Pakistan in our allowances, so you don’t have to worry about per-minute charges. Whether you’re calling for personal or business reasons, we offer a much better deal than UK networks.
With PlexaTalk, you can:
- Use a portable or desk landline-style phone
- Make calls through a mobile app like Zoiper or Linphone
- Get business and domestic plans that include minutes to Pakistan
- Enjoy crystal-clear call quality without surprise fees
Want to start saving when you call Pakistan from UK?
You can check out our domestic pricing here and business pricing here.
Stop paying per-minute fees to call Pakistan. Join Plexatalk and make unlimited calls at a fraction of the cost.
How much to call Pakistan from UK – Comparison Table
| Provider | Rate (per minute) | Bundled Plans Available? |
|---|---|---|
| PlexaTalk (VoIP) | Included in plan | Yes (Unlimited Calls to Pakistan) |
| O2 | £2.24 | Yes (International Favourites) |
| Vodafone | £2.00 | Yes (International Call Bundles) |
| Three (3) | £2.50 | Yes (International Saver) |
| EE | £4.21 | Yes (International Add-ons) |
| BT (Landline) | 35.7p (Day) | Yes (BT International Plan) |
| TalkTalk (Landline) | 33p | Yes (International Extra) |
| Sky (Landline) | 29.90p (Day) | Yes (Sky Talk International) |
History of Calling Pakistan from the UK
The first direct telephone service between the United Kingdom and Pakistan was inaugurated in June 1949, connecting London and Karachi. At that time, a three-minute call cost £3.
Prior to this, international telephone communication was limited and often required intermediary connections. The first official transatlantic telephone call occurred on January 7, 1927, between New York and London. You can check out our price comparison on calls to the US from UK here.
As for the specific date of the first telephone call between the UK and Pakistan, detailed records are scarce. However, it’s known that the direct service established in 1949 marked a significant milestone in UK-Pakistan telecommunications.
It’s worth noting that telephone services in British India, which included present-day Pakistan, were introduced as early as 1881. Major cities, including Karachi, had access to this technology.
After Pakistan’s independence in 1947, the country inherited approximately 14,000 landlines, indicating an existing, albeit limited, telecommunication infrastructure.
In summary, while the exact date of the first call between the UK and Pakistan isn’t well-documented, the establishment of direct telephone service in June 1949 was a pivotal moment in enhancing communication between the two nations.
Frquently Asked Questions on Calling Pakistan from UK
How much does it cost to call Pakistan from a UK mobile?
The cost of calling Pakistan from a UK mobile depends on the network provider. As of now, O2 charges £2.24 per minute, Vodafone charges £2.00 per minute, Three (3) charges £2.50 per minute, and EE has the highest rate at £4.21 per minute. These rates can vary depending on international call bundles or special offers from providers.
How much does it cost to call Pakistan from a UK landline?
Calling Pakistan from a UK landline is generally cheaper than calling from a mobile. BT’s standard rate is 35.7p per minute during the day and 31.3p per minute in the evenings and on weekends. TalkTalk charges 33p per minute, while Sky offers a slightly lower rate of 29.90p per minute during the day and 26.20p per minute in the evenings and on weekends. Some providers offer international calling plans that can reduce these costs.
What is the cheapest way to call Pakistan from the UK?
The cheapest way to call Pakistan from the UK is through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services such as Plexatalk, which includes minutes to Pakistan in its plans. Other alternatives include using calling cards, purchasing international call bundles from mobile providers, or making calls via messaging apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber, which use internet data instead of standard calling rates.
Is it cheaper to call Pakistan using WhatsApp or Skype?
Yes, calling Pakistan using WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber is generally cheaper because these apps use internet data instead of mobile network call minutes. However, both the caller and recipient need to have the app installed and an internet connection. While these services are free over Wi-Fi, mobile data charges may apply if Wi-Fi is unavailable.
How can I call Pakistan for free from the UK?
The only way to call Pakistan for free is by using internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber. These services allow voice and video calls at no charge, but both parties must be connected to the internet. Some VoIP providers may offer free trial minutes for international calls, but completely free calls from traditional mobile or landline providers are not available.
Do UK mobile networks offer international call bundles for Pakistan?
Some UK mobile providers offer international call bundles that reduce the per-minute rate to Pakistan. O2 offers international calling add-ons through its International Favourites plan. EE provides international add-ons for discounted calls. Three (3) has an International Saver plan that lowers the cost of calling certain countries, including Pakistan. It is recommended to check with your network provider for current deals and bundle options.
What is VoIP, and how does it reduce call costs to Pakistan?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows users to make phone calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines, significantly lowering costs. VoIP services such as PlexaTalk provide international calling plans that include minutes to Pakistan at a fraction of the cost charged by UK mobile and landline providers. VoIP also offers better flexibility, as users can make calls through a desk phone, mobile app, or computer.
How can I set up a VoIP service to call Pakistan?
To set up a VoIP service for calling Pakistan, sign up with a provider like Plexatalk. The next step is to download a VoIP app like Zoiper or Linphone or use a VoIP desk phone. After setting up the internet connection, calls to Pakistan can be made at much lower rates compared to traditional mobile or landline services.
When was the first telephone call made between the UK and Pakistan?
The first direct telephone call between the United Kingdom and Pakistan was made in June 1949 when a direct telephone service was established between London and Karachi. Before this, calls between the two countries required intermediary connections, making communication slow and expensive. In 1949, a three-minute call to Pakistan cost £3, which was considered a high amount at the time.
Where can I compare UK calling rates to Pakistan?
UK calling rates to Pakistan can be compared on mobile provider websites, VoIP service providers like PlexaTalk, and international calling card providers. Mobile networks such as O2, EE, Vodafone, and Three regularly update their international call rates, and VoIP services typically offer significantly lower prices with inclusive minutes. Checking multiple sources ensures you get the best deal for international calls.
Information above was taken from the providers websites at the time of writing but of course prices can change at any point.