Pakistan Travel Safety

General safety

Carry copies of your passport and visa at all times, while ensuring that the originals are valid and readily accessible.

Precautions

Avoid travelling after dusk, particularly in rural areas where road conditions are unsafe. Make arrangements to be met at the airport, especially if arriving after dark. If travelling by car, keep valuable belongings out of sight, windows closed and doors locked. Petty crime is also common. Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure that your personal belongings, passports other travel documents are secure at all times. Cell phones, credit cards and passports are favourite targets.

Road safety

Vehicles drive on the left. Road conditions are poor. In urban areas, roads are narrow, crowded and poorly lit, with limited signage. Outside major urban centres, roads are mostly unpaved. Many vehicles do not have proper lights for night driving. Accidents are common.

Trekking and climbing

Only experienced trekkers should go to the northern mountains of the Himalayas, Hindukush or Karakoram. Because of their great height, the Karakoram Mountains experience heavy glaciation, particularly on the southern, more humid slopes. The extensive presence of glaciers has led to the range being referred to as the Third Pole. No trekking is allowed in the closed zones located near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and near the LoC between Pakistan- and India-administered Kashmir. Only use licensed guides and tourist agencies. If you intend on engaging in trekking activities: never practice these activities alone, always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company, buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation from remote areas.

Border areas

Tensions between Pakistan and India are susceptible to sudden increase. You could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries and may be subject to scrutiny if officials from either country become aware that you have recently travelled to the other. The security situation along the Line of Control (LoC), which separates India-controlled Kashmir in the south from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir in the north, and along the working boundary that continues south toward Sialkot, remains volatile.

Regional travel

Avoid overland travel into Sindh province unless police are notified well in advance and are able to make security arrangements.

Public transportation

If travelling long distance by bus, use bus lines that provide two drivers. Do not use public transportation or taxis. You should also avoid travelling by train, as there are frequent rail accidents due to low safety and maintenance standards. Railways are also targets for riots and terrorist attacks. Travel to Hunza via the Karakoram highway only during daylight hours. Sections of the road are very narrow with precipitous drops and are sometimes partially obstructed by rock and earth slides.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Pakistan, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of caution during travel.

Fraud

Business deals can involve extortion and corruption, mainly at the hands of tribal and criminal groups. All business disputes, including those involving criminality, are subject to Pakistani legal proceedings.

Crime

Violent crime is commonplace, particularly in Karachi. Armed robbery, random shootings and armed carjackings occur, mostly in major urban centres. Banditry is common in rural areas of Sindh and Punjab.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Bottled drinks can reduce the risk of spiking.

Kidnapping

There is a very high risk to foreigners of being kidnapped throughout Pakistan. Kidnapping for ransom or political purposes is a rising phenomenon and has targeted foreigners, including diplomats, journalists and aid workers, some of whom have been killed as a result of kidnapping. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times and use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Pakistan and the security situation is fragile and unpredictable. Several terrorist groups are present and operate in Pakistan. Attackers frequently target Pakistani government institutions, public areas and places frequented by foreigners such as airports, hotels, markets, transportation hubs, schools, Western-style fast food outlets, restaurants, religious sites and popular trekking sites. Large cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar are particularly vulnerable to indiscriminate attacks, including bombings. Bombings and other terrorist attacks in have been directed at a wide range of targets, both civilian and military, and have caused many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely. Such incidents are typically attributed to extremism, ethnic divisions, sectarian strife, regional political disputes and the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan. Due to the high risk of attacks, which can vary from day to day, heightened security measures are in effect. Terrorist attacks range from targeted killings and kidnapping, to armed assaults against heavily guarded facilities, such as Pakistani military installations. Suicide bombings and detonated improvised explosive devices are common occurrences. Some attacks involve detailed planning to maximize casualties through multiple and consecutive explosions. Civil aviation in Pakistan, including aircraft and facilities, has been the target of bombings and other attacks. Verify flight and airport operation details before travelling, and remain aware of the security situation on routes to and from airports. There is an increased risk of attack during religious holidays and days of national significance, such as National Day (March 23), Independence Day (August 14), the Islamic month of Muharram (particularly on the day of Ashura) and the Muslim holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Avoid crowded places such as pedestrian promenades, shopping malls, open markets, restaurants and places of worship. Remain extremely vigilant at all times, keep a low profile and exercise caution, particularly in areas regularly frequented by foreigners. Monitor local news reports and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Dress and behaviour

The country's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively - for women: knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops, men: should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Pakistani culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

The laws of Pakistan prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted may face up to 2 years imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Pakistan.

Illegal or restricted activities

Couples should avoid physical contact, such as holding hands, in public. It is illegal for heterosexual couples to live together without being married. Photographing government buildings, military installations and airports is prohibited.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required.