Area Code 254 – Dadu

Overview of Area Code 254 (Dadu, Pakistan)

Area code 254 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Dadu District in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is part of the national numbering plan administered by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) under the ITU-T E.164 international standard. The code covers the city of Dadu and its surrounding administrative subdivisions, including Khairpur Nathan Shah, Mehar, Johi, and Sehwan Sharif. As a geographic code, it routes calls to fixed-line (PSTN) subscribers within this defined area.

Dialing Formats

Understanding the correct dialing sequence is essential for both domestic and international callers.

• Domestic (within Pakistan): Dial the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code 254, and then the subscriber's 6- or 7-digit local number. For example: 0-254-XXXXXXX.
• International (from outside Pakistan): Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), then Pakistan's country code 92, followed by the area code 254 (without the leading 0), and the local number. For example: +92-254-XXXXXXX.

When dialing from a mobile phone within Pakistan, it is common to use the international format (+92 254 XXXXXXX) even for domestic calls, as this ensures proper routing across all networks.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

Dadu is the headquarters of Dadu District, located in the southern part of Sindh province. The area code serves both urban and rural communities, with Sehwan Sharif being a notable historical and religious site. The district is bordered by the Indus River and is known for its agricultural economy. Fixed-line services in this region are primarily provided by the state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), though alternative operators may offer services through local loop concessions.

Caller Instructions

For local callers: If you are within the Dadu exchange area, you may be able to dial just the local number without the area code, depending on your telephone exchange's configuration. However, for clarity and to avoid misrouting, it is recommended to always use the full national format (0-254-XXXXXXX).

For international callers: Ensure you have the correct country code (92) and drop the trunk prefix (0) when dialing from abroad. For instance, a call from the United States to Dadu would be dialed as: 011 92 254 XXXXXXX.

Important note: As with all geographic codes in Pakistan, the area code 254 is not used for mobile services. Mobile numbers in Pakistan begin with 3 (e.g., 0300, 0312) and are non-geographic. If you receive a call from a number starting with +92 254, it is a fixed-line call from the Dadu area.