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Pakistan ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 215 – Karachi

The phone area code for Karachi is 215 (international format +92215). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
03:35:50
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+92215
Population 16,051,521
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Admin Region Sindh
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Elevation 26m
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GPS Coordinates 24.9191, 67.0463
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📍 Geographic Location of Karachi

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +92 215 prefix is the National Destination Code (NDC) for the city of Karachi, the largest metropolis and economic capital of Pakistan. This geographic area code is assigned under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within the Karachi region. The coverage area includes all districts of Karachi Division, including Karachi Central, Karachi East, Karachi South, Karachi West, and the Malir and Korangi districts. The code serves both residential and commercial subscribers, including major business districts such as Clifton, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and the industrial zones of Korangi and SITE.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within Pakistan, the national dialing format is 0215 XXX XXXX (or 0215-XXXXXXX), where the leading '0' is the trunk prefix. For international callers, the format is +92 215 XXX XXXX or +92 215 XXXXXXX, omitting the trunk prefix. When dialing from a mobile phone within Pakistan, the same national format applies. It is important to note that the prefix '215' is distinct from the older '21' code; the addition of '5' as an overlay digit was introduced to expand numbering capacity. As a result, some older numbers may still be listed with the shorter '21' prefix, but all new fixed-line numbers in Karachi now use the 7-digit subscriber number after the NDC.

Overlay Considerations and Number Portability

Karachi has implemented an overlay plan, meaning that multiple NDCs (such as 21 and 215) may serve the same geographic area. This requires ten-digit dialing (including the trunk prefix) for all local calls within the city to ensure correct routing. Fixed-line number portability is available in Pakistan, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when switching service providers, but the geographic NDC remains tied to the original exchange area.

Practical Examples

  • Local call (within Pakistan): 0215 1234567
  • International call (from abroad): +92 215 1234567
  • If you receive a call from Karachi, the caller ID may display +92 215 XXXXXXX.

When calling from a landline in another Pakistani city, you must dial the trunk prefix '0' before the NDC. For example, from Lahore, dial 0215 1234567. From overseas, replace the '0' with the country code +92.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What area is covered by the +92 215 area code?
The +92 215 area code covers the entire city of Karachi, including all its districts and major suburbs. It is the geographic NDC for fixed-line telephone services in Karachi.
How do I dial a Karachi number from abroad?
To call a Karachi fixed-line number from outside Pakistan, dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 or +), then Pakistan's country code 92, followed by the area code 215 and the 7-digit subscriber number. For example, +92 215 1234567.
Is +92 215 a mobile or landline prefix?
+92 215 is a geographic landline prefix assigned to fixed-line services in Karachi. Mobile numbers in Pakistan use different prefixes, such as 3xx, and are not geographic.
Why do some Karachi numbers have 21 and others 215?
Karachi originally used the area code 21. Due to increased demand, an overlay code 215 was introduced. Both codes serve the same geographic area, but new numbers are often assigned with 215. Ten-digit dialing is required for local calls to ensure proper routing.
Can I keep my Karachi number if I move to another city?
Fixed-line numbers in Pakistan are generally tied to a geographic area. If you move outside the Karachi exchange area, you may not be able to keep the same number, as number portability is limited for fixed lines. However, within Karachi, you can port between service providers.