Yes, you can visit Parliament House in Islamabad, but not by simply turning up. It sits in the Red Zone on Constitution Avenue, and entry is controlled. There are two routes: apply to the Senate Secretariat's Protocol Directorate to book a visit, or, when the National Assembly is sitting, ask for a pass to the Common Man's Gallery to watch proceedings.
This guide covers both routes, what to bring, what a visit involves and where the building is.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Parliament House, Constitution Avenue, Red Zone, Islamabad |
| Booking a tour | Apply to the Senate Secretariat's Protocol Directorate, about a week ahead |
| Watching the Assembly | Common Man's Gallery, only when the National Assembly is in session |
| ID | Original CNIC for Pakistanis; check the rules if you hold a foreign passport |
| Cost | Free for Pakistani citizens at the gallery (2019 announcement) |
What is Parliament House?
Parliament House is the home of Pakistan's two chambers, the National Assembly and the Senate. It was designed by the American architect Edward Durell Stone and inaugurated in 1986 by President General Zia-ul-Haq. Wikipedia lists a floor area of about 598,000 square feet over five floors. A Senate Museum was opened inside in 2018.
The building sits in Islamabad's Red Zone, the government area near D-Chowk, which is why access needs advance arrangements.
How to book a visit through the Senate
The Senate's website says applications to visit Parliament House may be submitted to the Protocol Directorate of the Senate Secretariat about one week in advance. It suggests planning your visit for a day when the house is sitting. The activities it lists include watching proceedings from the visitors' gallery, visiting the Senate library, and the souvenir shop.
The Senate's page gives the Protocol contact as 051-9223405. Numbers and staff change, so confirm on the Senate's website before you call or write. Groups, such as school or university parties, should apply well ahead and state group size and dates.
The Common Man's Gallery
The National Assembly opened the Common Man's Gallery on 5 October 2019 so ordinary citizens could watch proceedings. Dawn reported that it holds 50 people a day when the Assembly is sitting, with passes given to citizens who present an original CNIC at reception and clear security. If passes are gone for the day, you can register for the next day if the session continues. It was free for Pakistanis at launch, with a fee for foreign visitors.
It only works when the Assembly is sitting, so check the session calendar on the National Assembly's website first. If there is no session, you cannot use this route. Details may have changed since 2019, so confirm on na.gov.pk before travelling.
What to bring and the rules
- Original CNIC, as a photocopy or picture will not do. Foreign visitors should ask the Protocol office what ID they need.
- Formal, modest clothing.
- Time for security screening, which is thorough in the Red Zone. Arrive early.
- Expect limits on phones, cameras and bags inside. Ask when booking rather than assuming.
What you can see
What you see depends on the route. Through the Senate, you may see the visitors' gallery, the library and the museum. Through the Common Man's Gallery, you watch a session, which can be a formal, procedural affair and is often less dramatic than television suggests. The reception area at the entrance has an exhibit on parliamentary history.
If you just want to see the building from outside, the Red Zone approach is sometimes restricted during political events, so check the news first.
How to get there
Parliament House is on Constitution Avenue, close to the Blue Area. Take a taxi or ride-hailing car to the visitors' entrance, and give the driver the gate name from your confirmation. Our Blue Area guide covers what to see nearby, and our getting around Islamabad guide compares transport. The Pakistan Monument is a separate trip across the city.
Is it worth it?
It is worth it if you are interested in how Pakistan's government works, or if you have a group of students. It is not a sightseeing stop for everyone, since access is limited and it needs planning. If you only have a short time in the capital, put it below the Faisal Mosque and Lok Virsa. Look at our experiences page for other ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists visit Parliament House in Islamabad?
Yes, but only with prior arrangement. Apply to the Senate Secretariat's Protocol Directorate about a week ahead, or use the Common Man's Gallery when the Assembly is sitting.
Is Parliament House open to the public?
Not for walk-in visits. Entry is controlled and needs a booking or a gallery pass.
Do I need a CNIC to visit Parliament House?
Pakistani citizens need their original CNIC for the Common Man's Gallery. Foreign visitors should ask the Protocol office what documents to bring.
Is there an entry fee?
The Common Man's Gallery was free for Pakistani citizens when it opened in 2019, with a fee for foreign visitors. Confirm current terms with the Assembly.
Who designed Parliament House?
Edward Durell Stone, an American architect. It was inaugurated in 1986.
