Do you have friends or family in Pakistan? Have they always lived there or is the move quite recent? No doubt, in any case you miss them and are keen on staying in touch.

Fortunately, keeping in contact is easier than you'd think from British soil. Consider your many options.

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Snail mail is very much still alive and kicking in 2012. Though prices have gone up considerably what with the rising costs of fuel, sending and receiving letters is so much more special than firing out a quick email at lunchtime.

Congratulate friends or family on special occasions by sending cards or gifts. Sending a standard letter from the UK to Pakistan costs £1.28, while a postcard will set you back a mere £0.87.

It's not only the Royal Mail service that offers parcel delivery to Pakistan. There are plenty of specialist parcel delivery companies that operate between the two countries. Some offer free pick up from your home or office, while others will accept parcels at high street representatives such as newsagents.

If your friends or loved ones have ever lived in the UK, send them a care package with things they miss. Popular British treats that aren't readily available in Pakistan include tea, shortbread, crumpets, potato scones, marmite, malt loaves and more.

Online and Telecommunications

Social networks are a simple and free way for you to communicate with friends and loved ones living abroad, provided both parties have regular access to the internet.

Unsurprisingly, the top social networks in Pakistan are the world famous Facebook and Twitter. Locals are yet to fully embrace networks such as LinkedIn, Google Plus and Pinterest with only a small percentage having signed up for membership.

Pakistan does also boast its own social networks such as Geodost which is popular among the country's younger generations, and Pakistan Social Web that is mainly focused on forum discussions, internet polls and the like.

If the person you are trying to contact does not have internet access at home, arrange for them to find an internet cafe, of which there are many in most cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan.

If scheduling a Skype call or similar, VoIP call alternative, remember to take into consideration the time difference. This is 5 hours with Pakistan being ahead of the UK.

While some people may not have internet access at home, most people do have a phone line. Various UK companies offer you the possibility to make cheap calls to Pakistan. These don't require a subscription or contract.

Calling friends or relatives is particularly appreciated during times of celebration or special occasions such as birthdays. In Pakistan, national holidays include Independence Day on 14th August and Republic Day on 23rd March. Islamic religious festivals celebrated locally include Shab-e-Barat in the 8th Islamic month and Eid-ul-Fitr in the 10th Islamic month.