Area Code 223 – Hyderabad

Overview of Pakistan Area Code 223

Area code 223 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Hyderabad telephony district in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is part of the country's E.164 numbering plan, administered by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The code serves the city of Hyderabad and its surrounding administrative areas, including Latifabad, Qasimabad, and the Hyderabad Cantonment. Hyderabad is a major urban center in southern Pakistan, located about 150 kilometers northeast of Karachi, and is known for its industrial and commercial significance.

Dialing Formats

When calling a landline in Hyderabad from within Pakistan, the trunk prefix 0 is dialed before the area code, followed by the subscriber number. The national format is:

• 0 223 XXX XXXX (for local calls from other cities in Pakistan)

For callers outside Pakistan, the international access code (usually 00 or +) is used, followed by Pakistan's country code 92, then the area code without the leading zero, and the subscriber number:

• +92 223 XXX XXXX

Within Hyderabad, local calls may be made using only the 7-digit subscriber number, depending on the local exchange configuration. However, for clarity and to avoid misdialing, it is recommended to use the full national format.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The 223 code covers the Hyderabad District, which includes the city of Hyderabad and its talukas. It is a geographic code, meaning the number is tied to a physical location. The subscriber numbering range is typically 7 digits, making the total number length 10 digits when including the area code (excluding the trunk prefix). This structure aligns with the national numbering plan for fixed-line services.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the Hyderabad area; 223 is the sole geographic code for the region. However, due to increasing demand for telecommunication services, the PTA may introduce additional numbering resources in the future. For callers, it is essential to note that mobile numbers in Pakistan are non-geographic and begin with 3 (e.g., 0300, 0333), so 223 is exclusively for fixed-line services.

Caller Instructions

For local callers within Pakistan: dial 0-223-XXXXXXX (or just the 7-digit number if calling from within the same exchange area). For international callers: dial your country's exit code, then 92-223-XXXXXXX. Always verify the subscriber number length, as some older lines may have fewer digits. If you experience issues, contact your service provider or the PTA for assistance.