Asia and Oceania

Pakistan

Still current at: 02 December 2008

Updated: 02 December 2008

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.

There has been a significant deterioration in the security situation across the country since July 2007 linked to military action against militants in FATA and North West Frontier Province.  There has been a series of attacks, mainly suicide bombings, targeted predominantly at the authorities but also at locations frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  Following an increase in military action against the militants, the frequency and scale of attacks has intensified in recent months and the security forces remain on high alert across the country.

Although attacks have been mostly against the military and police, terrorists continue to target Western, including British, interests and individuals throughout Pakistan. We believe that there is a heightened threat to Westerners in major cities. On 20 September 2008, a major bomb attack at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad resulted in 53 dead and 250 injured. Other recent attacks include a suicide bomb in Peshawar which killed 36 and injured 100 people,   a car bomb attack on the Danish Embassy in Islamabad in June 2008, an explosion at a restaurant in central Islamabad in March 2008 and a series of bomb blasts in Lahore in March 2008 and a series of bomb blasts in Lahore in March 2008 which killed 26. 

You should exercise particular caution when in the vicinity of key Government installations and groups of uniformed personnel.  Avoid demonstrations or large crows of people including at busy shopping malls, tourist sites and public events, including religious events.  Exercise caution in other places inluding hotels, airports, markets and on public transport.  Keep a low profile and vary your routes and timings if you make any regular journeys between locations.  You should avoid places frequented by expatriates or foreign travellers.

Major international hotels which are frequented by Westerners could be potential targets and you should satisfy yourself in advance of the location and standards of security at your chosen hotel or guest house.  Be aware that previous bomb attacks have sometimes invbolved consecutive explosions.

In addition to targeting the authorities, attacks have also taken place at rallies, mosques, churches, the homes of Members of Parliament and other locations. 

Since 29 November 2008, there has been an increase in communal and ethnic violence in a number of districts throughout Karachi resulting in at least 34 deaths.  Extreme caution should be used when visiting Karachi, and close attention should be paid to the travel advice elsewhere on this page.

Other recent attacks included:

• On 13 November 2008, an Iranian diplomat was kidnapped from the Hayatabad area, Peshawar, NWFP.
  
• On 12 November 2008, a US national was shot dead in Peshawar.
  
• On 11 November 2008, a suicide bomber attacked spectators at the Inter Provincial Games at the Qayyum Stadium, Peshawar, NWFP, killing two people and injuring several others.
  
• On 9 October 2008, a bomb attack against a police head-quarters on the outskirts of Islamabad injured at least seven people.
  
• On 7 October 2008, seven people were injured when small explosive devices detonated outside three juice shops in Lahore, Punjab.
• On 6 October 2008, a suicide bomber in Bhakkar, Punjab killed 22 people and injured over 60 at the home of a Rashid Akbar Niwani, a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly.
  
• On 2 October 2008, a suicide bomber in Charsadda killed four people at the home of Asfandyar Wali Khan, head of the Awami National Party.
• On 20 September 2008 a major explosion destroyed the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad  killing over 50 and injuring more than 250.
  
• On 6 September 2008, a suicide bomber in Peshawar, NWFP exploded killing 36 and injuring 100 people.
  
• On 26 August 2008, a bomb exploded at a political rally in Dera Allah Yar, Balochistan injuring 21 people.
• On 26 August 2008, a US Diplomat’s car was involved in a shooting incident in University Town, Peshawar.
  
• On 21 August 2008, two suicide bombings outside a munitions factory in Wah, Punjab, killed least 70 people with as many again injured.
  
• On 19 August 2008, a suicide bomber in Dera Ismail Khan, NWFP exploded killing 32 and injuring 55 people.
  
  

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 (FATA)

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 in much of NWFP.  There are regular bombings in and around Peshawar targeting official premises and personnel, CD/DVD shops, barbers and girls' schools.  We advise against all travel to the Frontier Regions of Peshawar, Kohat, Tank, Banu, 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 Swat, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass.

The popular tourist destinations of Nathiagali and Chitral are known to be frequented by Westerners and foreign travellers.  The risk of kidnapping extends to these areas.    

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 Abbottabad and Gilgit. -This journey should be avoided by flying to Gilgit.  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 militants could extend their activities to the KKH.  There have been incidences in 2008 of banditry along the Chilas stretch of the KKH.

Landslides - 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).

The Northern Areas

Once in the Northern Areas, we do not advise against road travel between G Gilgit or to Skardu.  However care should be taken as roads are hazardous.  We do not advise against travel to the West of Gilgit within Gilgit Agency.

All foreign nationals are required to register when visiting the Northern Areas.  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 non-essential 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

There is a heightened threat to Westerners in Karachi and the city is at risk of a further terrorist attack.  Criminal violence including armed car-jacking, robbery, kidnap and murder is also common.  There is a high incidence of lawlessness in much of rural Sindh and travellers should take advice about the local security situation in advance of their visit.  Since 29 November 2008, there has been an increase in communal and ethnic violence in a number of districts throughout Karachi resulting in at least 34 deaths.  Extreme caution should be used when visiting Karachi and close attention shoudl be paid to the travel advice contained in the section on Terrorism and Sectarian violence.

Punjab

There is a heightened risk to Westerners in the major cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore.  These cities are also at risk of further terrorist attacks.  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 4 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 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.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

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 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 Travelling During Ramadan.

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 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.

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.

For more general advice for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

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. 

 

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 before allowing the children to leave the country, especially those of Pakistani origin.

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 HIV and AIDS.

 

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.

 

For more general health information see Travel Health.

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.

Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

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 Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet, which gives more detailed advice and information.  
 

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 have been most badly affected.

Insurance

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

If things do go wrong when you are overseas, then see this is how we help.

Registering with the British High Commission

We strongly 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:  www.britainonline.org.pk.

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

Wwe 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 Commission

Diplomatic Enclave

Ramna 5

P O Box 1122

Islamabad

 

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:

GMT:

Mon-Thurs: 0300-1115; Fri: 0300-0800

Local Time:

Mon-Thurs: 0800-1615; Fri: 0800-1300

 

Website: http://www.ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk

 

Karachi

 

Address:  British Deputy High Commission

Shahrah-e-Iran

Clifton

Karachi 75600

Pakistan

 

Telephone:  00 92 21 582 7000

Facsimile:  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)