Asia and Oceania

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

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Safety and security

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 recent attacks have included educational institutions and public markets. British Nationals should be aware of the danger of being caught up in an attack.  Recent statements issued by militant groups have threatened more attacks in the coming weeks, 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 check-posts 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 strongly 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.

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, 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.
  
• On 13 November 2008, an Iranian diplomat was kidnapped in Peshawar
• In September 2008, a Polish engineer in Attock, two Chinese engineers in Swat, two Afghan diplomats in separate incidents in Peshawar
• In March 2008, a British national was kidnapped in the Federally Administered Tribal Area
  
  

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. 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.  

In recent months there have been several instances where Christian communities have been 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 Terrorism Abroad.

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, particularly 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 Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Pakistan Country Profile