Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. Events across the country show that the series of major terrorist attacks is continuing. Statements issued by militant groups have threatened more attacks in the coming weeks. See the Terrorism & Sectarian Violence section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• The Pakistani military is conducting ongoing operations against militants across NWFP and FATA, particularly in South Waziristan Agency.
  
  
• The Pakistani authorities are also concerned about the threat to foreigners of kidnapping.  
  
  
• We advise against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and much of North West Frontier Province, including the areas of Peshawar, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki and Dera Ismail Khan. We advise against travel to the city of Peshawar and districts south of the city.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to Northern and Western Balochistan and advise against all but essential travel to Quetta and parts of Interior Sindh to the north of Nawabshah. 
  
  
• We advise against all travel to Swat, Buner, and Lower Dir, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass. In these areas there are ongoing reports of military or militant activity. A curfew has been imposed in parts of these districts. Large numbers of people have evacuated these areas. The risk from lawlessness and kidnapping remains severe.
  
  
• There has been a recent increase in sectarian violence in Gilgit and the authorities have introduced restrictions on public gatherings.
  
  
• We also advise against using the rail network across the whole of Pakistan see Local Travel section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• Caution should be taken when visiting central Punjab due to a high likelihood of spontaneous sectarian violence.
  
  
• If you are intending to travel to Pakistan, you should follow the developing situation in the news media and consult FCO Travel Advice regularly. You are also recommended to register with the British High Commission.  You may wish to seek local advice on the latest situation from the Security Section of the British High Commission in Islamabad or the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi.
  
  
• According to the Pakistan Ministry of Tourism, between January and May 2009, 112,361 British citizens and dual UK-Pakistan citizens visited Pakistan. 326 British nationals required consular assistance in Pakistan in the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (15 cases); hospitalisations (7 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (21 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (189 cases).  However, assistance to victims of forced marriage or child abduction is also common.   If you are concerned about either issue see our Forced Marriages or Child Abduction  pages.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice and the our Travel Insurance page.

Safety and security

Terrorism & Sectarian Violence

There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan.  Attacks could be indiscriminate including at places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Events across the country show that the series of major terrorist attacks is continuing. Pakistani Government and Security Forces and high-profile ‘western’ targets such as major hotels remain the main focus of attack, but attacks have included educational institutions and public markets. British Nationals should be aware of the danger of being caught up in an attack.  Statements issued by militant groups have threatened more attacks, particularly in light of the ongoing military operation in the FATA. The Pakistani security forces have now moved to the highest state of alert across the country. We believe that there is a heightened threat to Westerners in the major cities. British nationals are advised to remain vigilant and to carry identification at all times for use at police checkpoints and to minimise movement in the major cities.

Although attacks have been mostly against the military and police, terrorists  have also targeted western, including British, interests and individuals throughout Pakistan. On 5 October 2009 a suicide bomber attacked the UN World Food Programme (WFP) office in Islamabad. Attacks have also taken place at rallies, mosques, churches, the homes of Members of Parliament and other locations.

Unless essential, you should avoid key Government installations and gatherings of uniformed personnel. Avoid demonstrations or large crowds of people and public events, including religious gatherings.  Public places have been targeted, particularly if they are associated with representatives of the Pakistani authorities, Westerners or activities that could be considered by militants to be un-Islamic. Think carefully before visiting such locations and exercise caution. Restaurants have been targeted (e.g. there was an attack on the Luna Caprese Restaurant in Islamabad in 2008). In Lahore there have been attacks on cinemas and juice bars. CD/DVD shops and barber shops have been targeted in NWFP. Police stations located in markets or other public places have also been attacked. Exercise caution in other public places including hotels, airports, markets, restaurants and on public transport.  Keep a low profile and vary your routes and timings if you make any regular journeys between locations.  Major international hotels which are frequented by Westerners have been targeted. We would therefore advise against using hotels which have such a profile. On 20 September 2008 a major bomb attack at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad resulted in 53 dead and 250 injured.

Other attacks included:

• On Friday 5 February 2010, a bomb exploded on one of the main thoroughfares in Karachi – Shahrah e-Faisal – reportedly killing twelve people and injuring at least 50. Shortly afterwards a bomb exploded at Jinnah Hospital. It is reported that at least five people were killed in this attack.
  
• On 3 February 2010 a bomb attack in Lower Dir, NWFP killed at least 10 people and injured over 70. The dead included foreign nationals.
  
• On 1 January 2010 an attack at a volleyball match in Lakki Marwat, NWFP killed at least 93 people.
  
• Three bomb attacks occurred in Karachi between 26 and 28 December 2009. A suicide bomb attack on M.A. Jinnah Road on 28 December killed 33 people and injured 80. The attack targeted a Muharram procession. The attack followed explosions in Paposhnagar, Karachi on 26 December that injured 15, and the Qasba Mor area in the north of the city which injured 30.
  
• On 22 December 2009 a suicide bomb attack outside the Press Club in Peshawar killed at least three people and injured 24.
• On 15 December 2009 a bomb exploded in Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab, killing at least 16 people.
• On 8 December 2009 militants launched an attack in Multan, South Punjab. The attack consisted of gunfire and grenades. It is estimated that twelve people were killed in the attack and 32 injured.
• On 7 December 2009 three attacks took place in Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.  Two explosions in the Moon Market area of Lahore killed 49 people and injured 130. In Peshawar it is estimated that 10 people were killed and 45 injured in a suicide attack at the entrance to the Sessions Court. Ten people were injured when a remote controlled Improvised Explosive Device was detonated in Quetta.
• On 4 December 2009, an attack occurred outside the Parade Lane Mosque on Peshawar Road in Rawalpindi during Friday prayers. Initial reporting states that at least 41 people were killed and 79 injured.
• On 01 December 2009, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at a naval complex in the E-8 sector of Islamabad.  Initial reporting indicates that one naval guard was killed and three other people were wounded.
• Over the weekend of 14-15 November 2009 three attacks took place in and around Peshawar, NWFP, killing 19 people and injuring 70.
• On 13 November 2009, a bomb attack on a Government installation in Peshawar, NWFP, killed at least 12 people and injured 40.
• On 10 November 2009, at least 32 people were killed and over 70 injured by a car bomb at a market in Charsadda near Peshawar.
• On 2 November 2009, a bomb exploded outside the National Bank on the Mall Road in Rawalpindi.  Initial media reports suggest 22 people were killed and over 40 injured.  Extra vigilance and caution should be taken.
  On 28 October 2009, there was a large explosion at a market in Peepal Mandi, Peshawar. More than 100 people were killed, and at least 200 injured.
• On 23 October 2009, a suicide bomb attack near the Pakistan Air Force Complex in Attock, Punjab killed seven people and injured five.
• On 20 October 2009 at least four people were killed and 18 wounded in two attacks on the International Islamic University in Islamabad.
• On 16 October 2009 an attack occurred on a police bureau in the Swati Pathak area of Peshawar, killing 11 people.
• On 15 October 2009 attacks occurred at three police centres in Lahore, Punjab, killing at least 18 people.
• On 10 October 2009 an attack took place on the Pakistan Army GHQ building in Rawalpindi, Punjab.
• On 9 October 2009 a suicide bomb attack in the Khyber Bazaar area of Peshawar, NWFP, killed at least 49 people and injuring over 100 others.
• On 5 October 2009 a bomb attack at the offices of the World Food Programme in Islamabad killed at least four people and injured several others.
• On 18 September 2009, a suicide car bomb attack in Kohat, NWFP left over 25 people dead and many injured. We currently advise against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and much of North West Frontier Province, including the areas of Peshawar, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki and Dera Ismail Khan.
• Between March and July 2009, several attacks in Punjab resulted in over 100 people being killed with many more injured. These include an attack against the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore on 3 March 2009.
• On 20 September 2008 a major explosion destroyed the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad killing over 50 and injuring more than 250.
  

The Pakistani authorities are concerned about the risk to foreigners of kidnapping.  You should be alert to this threat throughout the country but in particular when visiting any part of North West Frontier Province (NWFP).  British nationals should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers.  The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Recent kidnap cases include:

• On 8 September 2009, a Greek NGO volunteer was kidnapped (and a police guard killed) in the Kalasha Valley in the Chitral area of NWFP.  There is a strong possibility that the attack was carried out by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP):  there are reports of TTP activity in the areas surrounding Chitral.  All visitors to these areas should exercise due caution.
• On 20 May 2009, a French tourist was kidnapped near Quetta, Balochistan.
• On 2 February 2009, a US national working for the UN was kidnapped in Quetta, Balochistan.

We advise against all travel to areas where there are ongoing reports of military or militant activity or where the risk from lawlessness and kidnapping is most severe.  This applies to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, much of North West Frontier Province and Northern and Western Balochistan (see Local Travel section for details).

There is a risk of communal and ethnic violence in a number of districts in Karachi in particular Lyari and Kharadar areas, and to a lesser extent to other areas of Karachi. Caution should be used when visiting Karachi, and close attention should be paid to the travel advice elsewhere on this page.

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, the FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan.  The cities of central Punjab, as well as Quetta and Gilgit are at particular risk from Sunni-Shia violence.  In September 2009 two sectarian attacks in Gilgit left a total of nine dead and the authorities have now introduced restrictions limiting public gatherings. Visitors of recognisably Western origin should avoid the vicinity of mosques at busy prayer times, especially on Fridays. 

There have been several instances in 2009 of Christian communities being targeted by radical groups, resulting in violent and fatal clashes. In the past, Churches have been targeted. We advise British Nationals who wish to visit a Church to exercise caution.

It is recognised that the vast majority of British nationals who visit Pakistan each year do so because of the importance they attach to maintaining close links with family members.  You should nevertheless take account of the risk of being involved in a terrorist attack or other incident before deciding to travel.  If you are intending to travel to Pakistan you should follow the developing situation in the news media and consult FCO Travel Advice regularly.  You are also recommended to register with the British High Commission.

For more information see the our Terrorism Abroad page.

Crime

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

Criminal violence, including armed carjacking, 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.

We advise visitors to avoid using street taxis and where possible to use only those from reputable companies which are radio-controlled.

For more general information see the our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Political Situation

Pakistan Country Profile


Local Travel

In October 2008 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed diplomatic missions in Islamabad that "all foreigners, including diplomats, may not move out of their city of residence without proper security and prior co-ordination with the law enforcement agency with regard to their move or visit."  No steps have been taken by the Pakistani authorities to implement this requirement.    

If you have to travel to any of the regions listed below, 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 Interior.  (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues NOCs for diplomats).

You should seek updates on the local security situation from local police, or travel agencies before you travel.  The Security sections of the High Commission in Islamabad (0092 51 201 2000) and the Deputy High Commission in Karachi (0092 21 582 7000) can also provide advice on the specific local security situation in those cities.

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.

Border Areas

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.

Federally Administered Tribal Areas

We advise against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.  The seven Agencies comprising the FATA are Khyber, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai and North and South Waziristan.

North West Frontier Province (NWFP)

There is a heightened risk from kidnapping and militant activity across NWFP.  There are regular bombings in and around Peshawar targeting, for example official premises and personnel, CD/DVD shops, barbers and schools.  We advise against all travel to the districts of Peshawar, Kohat, Tank, Banu, Lakki, Charsadda, Hangu, Karak and Dera Ismail Khan.  

We advise against all travel to Swat, Buner, Malakand, Nowsbera, Swabi and Lower Dir, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass. In these areas there are ongoing reports of military or militant activity. There are ongoing military offensives against militants in Swat, Buner, and Lower Dir, and a curfew has been imposed in parts of these districts. Large numbers of people have evacuated these areas, although many have now returned. The risk from lawlessness and kidnapping remains severe.

The popular tourist destinations of Nathiagali and Chitral are known to be frequented by Westerners and foreign travellers. Although we do not advise against travel, the risk of kidnapping extends to these areas and visitors should exercise caution.  

On 8 September, a Greek NGO volunteer was kidnapped (and a police guard killed) in the Kalasha Valley in the Chitral area of NWFP.  There is a strong possibility that the attack was carried out by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP):  there are reports of TTP activity in the areas surrounding Chitral.  

Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) starts in Hasan Abdal (north Punjab), off the Grand Trunk road near Islamabad and runs up through NWFP towards Gilgit in the Northern Areas.  From Gilgit the KKH continues north through Hunza valley onto the Chinese border and Kashgar (China).

We advise against travel on the KKH between Islamabad and Gilgit; if travelling between Gilgit and Islamabad, we advise arriving and departing by . Parts of the KKH between Islamabad and Gilgit are extremely hostile towards foreigners.  The Besham stretch of the KKH is close to Swat valley and there have been reports of militant activity along parts of the KKH in 2009.

All sections of the KKH north of Batagram up to the Chinese border have experienced landslides.  

You are advised to travel in daylight hours, as the road can be narrow with sudden precipitous drops (also see Road Travel section below).

Gilgit-Baltistan (Formerly known as Northern Areas)

We advise against travelling by road between Gilgit and Islamabad. We advise caution when travelling by other roads within Gilgit-Baltistan.  

In September 2009 there were two incidences of sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni communities involving an explosion in a bookshop and gun battles with the police. A total of nine people were killed. The authorities have now invoked Article 144 of the State Law, which prohibits public gatherings of more than four people. Visitors should be particularly alert to the risk of being caught up in sectarian violence and should not be present on the streets in groups of more than four. Groups larger than four can be broken up by the authorities.

All foreign nationals are required to register when visiting Gilgit-Baltistan. This can be arranged by your travel agent.  A permit from the Pakistan Ministry of Tourism is often needed for mountaineering or trekking, in particular for mountains over 6000 metres.  Ensure that you have the necessary permissions.  The process can take up to two months and is best organised through one of the numerous tour companies based in Pakistan.  Travel insurance policies may be affected without the appropriate permits from the Pakistan authorities.

Balochistan

There is a heightened risk from kidnapping and militant activity in much of Balochistan.  We advise against all travel to Northern Balochistan including the area from the border with NWFP down to the Sui/Dera Bugti area and west towards Quetta.  We advise against travel to Western Balochistan in particular the areas bordering Afghanistan and Iran, including overland routes to and from these countries.  We advise against all  butessential travel to Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.  If you intend to visit these areas you should ensure that you have the necessary permission from the authorities and proper security arrangements in place.

Sindh

Although there has not been a major terrorist attack in Karachi in 2009, the police report that they have disrupted a number of terrorist cells in the city. There remains risk of a major terrorist attack in Karachi. British Nationals in Karachi should be alert and pay close attention to the advice in the Terrorism and Sectarian Violence section. Criminal violence including armed carjacking, robbery, kidnap and murder is also common.  There is a risk of communal and ethnic violence in a number of districts in Karachi.

There is a very high risk from banditry and kidnapping in Interior Sindh and we advise against all but essential travel to the north of Nawabshah.

Punjab

There is a heightened risk to westerners in the major cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore.  There have been terrorist attacks in all three cities in 2009 and there is a risk  of further terrorist attacks. On 8 December 2009 an attack took place in Multan which killed 12 people and injured 32.

Travellers to Southern Punjab should take advice about the local security situation in advance of their visit.  The popular tourist destinations around Multan and the Cholistan Desert are known to be frequented by Westerners and foreign travellers and a risk of kidnapping therefore extends to these areas.

Pakistan Administered Kashmir

This area has remained largely trouble free.  Visitors should ensure that they have the necessary permissions to travel.  Specific requirements can change and visitors are advised to check the latest requirements before travelling to Kashmir.  A No Objection Certificate is always required for foreign nationals to travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control or to enter Kashmir via Muzaffarabad.

Rail Travel

We advise against using the railway network, as rail service operations remain disrupted since attacks in the immediate aftermath of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.

Nationalist militants regularly plant bombs on the rail network in Balochistan. There have also been a number of derailments. On 26 September 2008 a passenger train derailed near Bahawalpur killing four after a bomb was planted on the railway lines.  On 19 December 2007, the Karachi-Lahore express train was derailed in the southern Sindh province killing 38 people and injuring 200 more.

Road 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 carjacking.

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.

For more general information see our Driving Abroad page.

Air Travel

Since 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 must bear the same name as on your ticket.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Pakistan is a Muslim country.  You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see our Travelling During Ramadan page.

You should dress modestly at all times.  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.

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.

For identification purposes you should carry a photo id at all times.  Keep a photocopy of the data page and Pakistani visa from your passport 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.

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

You should 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.

For more general advice for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas  If you are travelling to Pakistan on a British passport, you require a visa.  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. For further information consult the High Commission for The Islamic Republic of Pakistan in London.
 
British nationals travelling on a Pakistani passport will need the appropriate visa to re-enter the UK.  Children need their own passports.  Passport validity  Your passport has to be valid for a minimum of six months at the time of application for a visa.   Registration
All foreign nationals are required to register when visiting the Northern Areas.  If you are stopped by the Police for any reason and you have not registered then you are likely to be arrested.  Travel agencies are able to arrange registration and permits for visitors.  Permits are often required to climb or trek in the Northern Areas.  If in doubt, you should check with the Pakistani representation in the UK before travelling to see if this affects you.  Travelling with children  A parent or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that the immigration authorities demand documentary evidence of parental responsibility, particularly if the child is of Pakistani origin, before allowing the children to leave the country.

Health

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

Malaria and dengue fever exist in Pakistan, in coastal and low-lying areas.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 94,000 adults aged 15 or over in Pakistan were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page. You should seek medical advice before travelling to Pakistan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.  Pandemic H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
On 10 December 2009 the National Institute of Health confirmed the first death from Swine Flu in Pakistan.
For more general health information see our Travel Health and Swine Flu pages.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Multiple poultry outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) have been occurring in Pakistan since 2006.  In 2007 there were also outbreaks in wild birds.  Most outbreaks discovered have been in North West Frontier Province, in Abbottabad and Mansehra.  Two cases of Avian Influenza were identified in farms in Karachi in February 2008.  Cases of infection in wild birds have been identified in the Islamabad Capital Territory. In November 2007, there was one confirmed human death in the Peshawar area.

The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be low provided you 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.  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form easily transmissible between people.

British nationals living longer term in an Avian Influenza affected region should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.  

You should read this advice in conjunction with the our Avian and Pandemic Influenza page.

Natural disasters

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

A series of earthquakes struck Northern Balochistan on 29 October 2008 with a magnitude of up to 6.4 on the Richter scale.  The districts of Ziarat and Pishin were most badly affected.

General

Insurance

We 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 all the activities you want to undertake.  Please see our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas, then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Registering with the British High Commission

We recommend you register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

The British High Commission also provides a free SMS alert service with updates on the security situation.  Visit our website for more details on the benefits of registering with the British High Commission: http://ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk.

Forced marriage and child abductions

Much 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, see our separate guidance using the following links:

Forced marriages

Child Abductions

Purchasing property

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.  

Contact Details  Islamabad Address:  British High CommissionDiplomatic EnclaveRamna 5P O Box 1122Islamabad Telephone:  00 92 51 201 2000 (Main Switchboard)

For visa enquiries telephone Gerry’s International on 00 92 51 2098999.
For call from within Pakistan the numbers for Gerry’s International are 0900 10411 (if calling from a landline) and 8865 (if calling from a cell phone.
 Facsimile:  00 92 51 282 3439 (Management Section Fax)
                    00 92 51 201 2031 (Trade and Investment Fax)                    00 92 51 201 2033 (Media & Public Affairs Fax)                    00 92 51 201 2019 (Consular Section Fax) Email:  visqry.Islamabad@fco.gov.uk (Visa)Cons.Islamabad@fco.gov.uk (Consular)bhc-ukti@dsl.net.pk (Trad and Investment Fax)bhcmedia@dsl.net.pk  (Media and Public Affairs Section) Office Hours:BST:Mon-Thurs: 0300-1115; Fri: 0300-0800Local Time:Mon-Thurs: 0800-1615; Fri: 0800-1300 Website: http://www.ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk
 Karachi Address:  British Deputy High CommissionShahrah-e-IranCliftonKarachi 75600Pakistan Telephone:  00 92 21 582 7000Facsimile:  00 92 21 582 7005 (Trade & Investment)                 00 92 21 582 7012 (Consular) Email:  Consularenquiries.Karachi@fco.gov.uk (Consular)Tradeuk@cyber.net.pk (Trade & Investment) http://www.ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk