Area Code 998 – Kohistan
The phone area code for Kohistan is 998 (international format +92998). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📍 Geographic Location of Kohistan
Geographic Overview
The area code 998 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Kohistan region of Pakistan. This mountainous district, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is served by this code for fixed-line PSTN and VoIP services. The primary administrative center is Dasu, with other towns such as Pattan and Komila also falling under this numbering area. The code covers the historical Kohistan region, which is known for its rugged terrain and the Indus River valley.
Dialing Formats
For callers within Pakistan, the local dialing format is 0998 XXX XXX (where X represents the subscriber number). The trunk prefix '0' is used for domestic calls. For international callers, the format is +92 998 XXX XXX, omitting the leading zero. The total number length after the country code is 10 digits (including the NDC).
Caller Instructions
- Domestic callers outside the 998 area must dial 0998 followed by the subscriber number. If you are within the same exchange area, local 7-digit dialing may be possible, but it is safer to use the full NDC format.
- International callers should dial their country's exit code (e.g., 00 or 011), then Pakistan's country code 92, then 998, and finally the subscriber number. For example, from the US, you would dial 011 92 998 XXX XXX.
Overlay and Numbering Considerations
As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan updates, there is no overlay code for the Kohistan region. The 998 code is exclusively assigned to this geographic area. However, with the expansion of fixed wireless and VoIP services, some numbers under this code may be allocated to operators providing nomadic services, but they remain geographically tied for routing purposes.
Services and Usage
The 998 code is used for traditional PSTN services, as well as fixed wireless and VoIP solutions offered by licensed operators such as Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and other regional carriers. Businesses and government offices in the region rely on these lines for reliable communication. For international callers, it is important to note that calls to this region may be subject to higher tariffs due to the remote nature of the area.
When dialing from a mobile phone within Pakistan, the same trunk prefix rules apply. Always ensure you have the correct subscriber number, as the 998 code does not have any special service restrictions.