Traveling Luck for Pakistan. Pakistan, Asia

Terrorism & Sectarian Violence

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Pakistan.

There is reliable evidence that terrorists continue to target Western, including British, interests and individuals throughout Pakistan.  Although the major cities are particularly vulnerable to indiscriminate bombing and other attacks, including kidnapping, no part of Pakistan is immune.  Owing to high levels of security at Western embassies, international organisations and international hotels, more vulnerable targets such as clubs, restaurants (including Western style fast food outlets), places of worship and schools are also at risk.  Some bomb attacks have involved consecutive explosions.  On 2 March 2006, a bomb exploded outside the US Consulate in Karachi, killing several and injuring about 50 people.  In 2006, there were a number of bombings in Karachi and Lahore, including at locations frequented by Westerners.

In January-February 2007 there has been a series of attacks and suicide bombings targeted both at the authorities and at locations frequented by foreigners.  As of late January, the Pakistani authorities have increased security throughout Pakistan due to the threat of further imminent attacks.

On 6 February 2007, a bomber exploded a grenade outside the terminal of Islamabad International Airport.  On 28 January, security forces were targeted in an attack in Dera Ismail Khan.  On 27 January a suicide attack on police in Peshawar killed several people. On 26 January 2007, a suicide bomb exploded outside the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.  On 26 December 2006 one person was killed when a car bomb exploded at the entrance to Peshawar International Airport.

We advise against all travel to areas where there are ongoing reports of military or militant activity.  This applies particularly to Waziristan, and to northern and western Balochistan including the Sui/DeraBugti and Kohlu areas.  On 26 August 2006, major military activity led to the death of a senior tribal leader, Nawab Akbar Bugti.  There has been street violence in Quetta, and there have been other more recent bombings in Quetta/Balochistan.  Military operations continue against terrorists and insurgents in Waziristan and Balochistan. You should avoid travel by bus (as well as rail) in Balochistan.  If planning to travel to Quetta contact the British Deputy High Commission, Karachi (00 92 21 582 7000) in advance for current advice.

On 30 October 2006 a Pakistan military strike on a madrassa (religious school) in the Bajaur tribal agency killed over 80 people, including alleged militants undergoing training.  On 8 November 2006 a suicide bomber attacked a group of recruits at an army military training establishment on the Mardan-Malakand road, near the Swat Valley, causing numerous fatalities.

There are intermittent surges in sectarian violence throughout Pakistan.  Incidents often escalate quickly and have included murders and suicide bombings.  Attacks have occurred in Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Gilgit and the Northern Areas.  The cities of central Punjab, as well as Quetta and Karachi, are at particular risk from Sunni-Shia violence. You should be particularly vigilant during the Shia Islamic holy month of Muharram which ends on 18 February 2007, as militants have used such occasions to mount attacks in the past.  This applies particularly to religious processions; you should avoid crowds gathered for religious events associated with this period.  Visitors of recognisably Western origin should avoid the vicinity of mosques at busy prayer times, especially on Fridays.

Please read the Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas on the FCO website for further information and advice.

Criminal and other Violence

In February 2007, there were reports of threats and attacks against non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) engaged in earthquake reconstruction work in the area of Batgran (North West Frontier Province), which sits on the main road from Abbottabad to Gilgit. Travellers in transit should remain alert. Aid workers in the area should remain in touch with local UN co-ordination officials and the Pakistani authorities for the latest security advice.

Criminal violence, including armed car-jacking, robbery, kidnap and murder, is common, especially in Karachi.  Travellers have been offered drugged food and then robbed.  You should be very careful about, and confident of your personal security arrangements throughout your visit.

Much of Balochistan, rural Sindh and the North West Frontier Province, including the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies, have a high incidence of lawlessness.

Other Crime

Beware of the risk of street crime and take personal security measures.  Take particular care to safeguard your passport, bank cards, laptops and mobiles, particularly when travelling by public transport and when walking in crowded areas.  There is an active black market in forged and stolen passports.  Credit card fraud is common.

Political Situation

Political demonstrations and large gatherings of people for political or religious purposes occur regularly in major cities.  These usually pass off peacefully, but there may be risks of clashes with police or political rivals.  We recommend that you avoid political demonstrations and large crowds assembled for political or religious purposes.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.  If travelling on the Karakoram Highway towards Gilgit and Hunza you are advised to travel in daylight as the road can be narrow, with sudden precipitous drops.

Except for official border crossing-points, the authorities prohibit travel by foreigners within 10 miles of Pakistan’s international borders and the Kashmir Line of Control, and within 30 miles of the Afghan border in the Northern Areas.

If you have to travel to these regions, you or your travel agent should contact the authorities in advance.  They may arrange police protection as necessary and will advise whether you need a No Objection Certificate issued by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Consular sections of the High Commission in Islamabad (0092 51 201 2000) and the Deputy High Commission in Karachi (0092 21 582 7000) can provide advice on specific local security advice including travel in those cities.

Rail Travel

Nationalist militants regularly plant bombs on the rail network in Baluchistan.  You should avoid using the rail network in Baluchistan.

There were serious rail accidents causing many fatalities in Sindh in July 2005, and in Punjab in January/February 2006, as a result of sabotage by unknown perpetrators.  Pakistan's railways have had a reasonable safety record, but you should be aware that there are risks associated with this mode of travel.

Take particular care on long road journeys and when travelling cross-country.  Local driving standards are erratic, especially at night, road conditions are poor and there is a risk of car-jacking.

When driving, it is advisable to lock all doors and keep the windows up.  Use well-travelled, well-lit routes where possible.  We recommend you do not purchase anything from street vendors or have contact with beggars while travelling by car.

Air Safety

On 10 July 2006, a Pakistan International Airlines Fokker aircraft, flight PK 688 from Multan to Lahore, crashed shortly after taking off from Multan, some 400 km south of Islamabad.  All 45 passengers and crew were killed.  Causes of the crash are still being investigated.  PIA had retained eight such aircraft for internal flights.  These are ageing, but all planes are regularly maintained.

From 1 September 2006, all passengers on domestic flights must present one of the following forms of photo ID at check-in:  National Identity card (computerised), passport, driving licence, photo credit card, or school ID card (for children under the age of 18).  This must be an original document, and bear the same name as on your ticket.

If you or your father were born in Pakistan, you might be considered a Pakistani national by the authorities, even if you do not hold a Pakistani passport, and the British government might be prevented from providing the full range of consular assistance.

Consular assistance in remote areas might be delayed.

Pakistan is a Muslim state and local customs, such as dress and behaviour, should be respected, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.  Dress modestly.  Men and women should cover their shoulders and legs when in public.  Women should cover their heads when entering mosques or other holy places, and when travelling in more rural areas.  During Ramadan (which in 2006 has already begun and will end on or around 23 October), eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims (though children under the age of puberty are not required to fast).

Importing alcohol and pork products is illegal.  Homosexuality and co-habitation by an unmarried couple are illegal.  Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment.  Drug smuggling can attract the death penalty.

Do not take photographs at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure, including bridges and dams or from aircraft.  In the past British nationals have been arrested on suspicion of ‘spying’.  You should seek prior permission from any official present if you are photographing these types of places, especially in border areas.

If you are travelling to Pakistan on a British passport, you require a visa.  Your passport has to be valid for a minimum of six months.  You should be aware that visa violations can be treated as a criminal offence and could result in a fine or a short detention.

Journalists’ visas often have additional travel restrictions, which should be observed.

A parent or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that the immigration authorities demand documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing the children to leave the country, especially those of Pakistani origin.

For further information consult:  Pakistani representation in the UK, your local Pakistani Consulate, or the Pakistan High Commission or Embassy in the country of your residence.

British nationals travelling on a Pakistani passport will need the appropriate visa to re-enter the UK.  Children need their own passports.

There is a legal requirement for some foreign nationals to register with the Police after arrival in Pakistan.  If you are stopped by the Police for any reason, and you have not registered then you are likely to be arrested.  You should check with the Pakistani representation in the UK before travelling to see if this affects you.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including cover for medical repatriation costs.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see:  Travel Insurance.

Outside the major cities there are few hospitals of UK standards. 

Malaria and Mosquito-borne Dengue fever exist in coastal and low-lying parts of Pakistan.  More than three-quarters of British travellers who contracted malaria in 2005 did not take preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets.  However, malaria can occur despite appropriate prevention, and therefore you should promptly seek medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in the first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk country.  Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in Pakistan.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at:  www.dh.gov.uk

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

On 6 February 2007 a Government spokesman confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in a small flock of domestic poultry in Rawalpindi, which has now been slaughtered.  The virus was also detected in a flock of peacocks in Mansehra in North West Frontier Province, where similar action has been taken. Farmers have been supplied with vaccine.  To date no human cases have been reported in Pakistan.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet, which gives more detailed advice and information.

NATURAL DISASTERS

On 8 October 2005, a catastrophic earthquake with its epicentre near Muzaffarabad in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, caused widespread damage and loss of life.  Infrastructure and services in northern Pakistani-administered Kashmir and surrounding areas have been severely disrupted.  The main devastation is in the towns of Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Balakot and Mansehra.

The focus has now moved from relief to reconstruction.  You should be aware that facilities may be limited in affected areas.  Aid workers in the affected areas should maintain contact with local UN co-ordination officials and Pakistani authorities for the latest security advice.

Earth tremors are common and mountainous areas experience floods and landslides.

If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help.

All British nationals visiting or resident in Pakistan should register with the British Consular Sections of the British High Commission in Islamabad or the Deputy High Commission in Karachi:  www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/pakistan

You should carry a photocopy of the data page and Pakistani visa from your passport at all times, plus copies of other important travel documents.  These should be kept separately from the originals, and copies left with friends or relatives in the UK.

The majority of our Consular assistance is provided to victims of forced marriage or child abduction.  If you are concerned about a forced marriage or child abduction, please see our separate guidance using the following links on the FCO website:  forced marriages and child abduction.

Among British nationals of Pakistani origin we are often asked for assistance with land or property ownership disputes.  You should consider taking legal advice before entering into any agreement over the ownership or use of property or other assets.  The British High Commission cannot intervene in these matters.

We advise you to consult the Know Before You Go information page before travelling to Pakistan (link shown above).

Pakistan Country Profile