Safety and Security

U.S. citizens are reminded that there is an active Travel Warning for Pakistan, updated most recently on August 28, 2015. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid all non-essential travel to Pakistan. A number of extremist groups within Pakistan continue to target U.S. citizens, other western interests, and Pakistani officials.

The presence of several foreign and indigenous terrorist groups continues to pose a danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan. Across the country, terrorist attacks occur against civilian, government, and foreign targets. Attacks have included armed assaults on heavily guarded sites, including Pakistani military installations and airports. The Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in the major cities, and these measures can vary from day to day. Threat reporting indicates terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, including government facilities and public locations, such as shopping malls, markets, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, transportation hubs/stations, minority neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation areas. Terrorists and criminal groups regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom and other actions might include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings – including vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices – assassinations, carjackings, and assaults.

There have been hundreds of terrorist attacks in recent years targeting civilians and security personnel. Targeted attacks against government officials, humanitarian and non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, tribal elders, and law enforcement personnel continue throughout the country. Suicide bomb attacks have occurred at schools, rallies, places of worship, and major marketplaces in several Pakistani cities. The security situation in many rural areas is extremely dangerous.

Threats against U.S. citizens are often reported to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan routinely advise U.S. citizens who feel they are in danger to report the threats to local police authorities and consider immediately changing locations or departing Pakistan. Please note that in cases of threats against U.S. citizen minor children, there is no guarantee of non-U.S. citizen parents obtaining a non-immigrant visa.

U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan have been kidnapped for ransom by both terrorist and criminal elements, or for personal reasons such as family disputes over property. The kidnapping of Pakistani citizens and other foreign nationals, usually for ransom, continues to increase nationwide.

Many U.S. citizens report that they do not have confidence in the local police or courts to help resolve their legal or criminal difficulties, citing concern over perceived corruption or the influence of outside parties. However, the U.S. Embassy may not act to circumvent local authorities or advocate for particular outcomes on the behalf of private individuals. All U.S. citizens are subject to the judicial systems of the countries in which they are residing. The U.S. Embassy and consulates cannot offer “safe haven.”

U.S. government personnel and other official visitors in Pakistan adhere to strict operational and personal security policies that change frequently. Visits by U.S. government personnel to the U.S. consulate in Peshawar are limited, and movements by U.S. government personnel assigned to Peshawar are severely restricted. All U.S. citizens and Pakistanis, including officials, are required to obtain advance permission from local or federal authorities to travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA), as well as large parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan Provinces.

U.S. government officials are instructed to limit the frequency of travel and minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other locations. Official visitors are not authorized to stay overnight in local hotels anywhere in the country. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Mission sometimes places areas such as hotels, markets, shopping malls and restaurants off-limits to official personnel. U.S. officials are not authorized to use public transportation. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures, and to maintain good situational awareness and operational security wherever they travel in Pakistan.

Rallies, protests, demonstrations, and processions occur regularly throughout Pakistan on very short notice and can take on an anti-American or anti-Western character. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations or large religious gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid areas where large crowds of any kind gather.

Government attempts to control crowds with shipping containers can lead to routes being blockaded with little or no warning. During demonstrations or periods of civil unrest, the Pakistani government has occasionally disabled cellular telephone and internet service, making it difficult for U.S. citizens to contact each other or the U.S. Embassy or Consulates. Additionally, rolling electrical blackouts – known locally as "load-shedding" – are commonplace for many hours a day and have led to sporadic demonstrations and violence in many cities throughout Pakistan.

U.S. citizens should follow media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Information regarding demonstrations in Pakistan can be found on the websites of U.S. Embassy-Islamabad and Consulates General Karachi and Lahore.

Men and women are advised to dress conservatively, with arms and legs covered, and to avoid walking alone. It is unwise for anyone to travel on the streets late at night.

The Embassy continues to receive reports of U.S. citizen women subject to domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and forced marriage. There have been numerous cases of U.S. citizen women having their and their children’s passports confiscated by spouses or other family members, and their freedom of movement severely restricted. Women who attempt to report these cases to local police may find their complaints not taken seriously. Nonetheless, U.S. citizen women who find themselves in a life-threatening situation are encouraged to call the police immediately. Some Pakistani NGOs are able to provide assistance to victimized women within the Pakistani community. Women victimized overseas may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the U.S. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.

Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as the Northern Areas): Northern Pakistan has the greatest concentration of the highest mountain peaks in the world. This environment attracts trekkers and mountain climbers from all over the world. Trekking in Pakistan involves walking over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often at high altitudes. The Ministry of Tourism has defined trekking as walking below 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). It has designated three trekking zones: open, restricted, and closed. U.S. citizens can trek anywhere in the open zone without a permit or the services of a licensed mountain guide. For trekking in the restricted zone, U.S. citizens must pay a $20 per person fee (subject to change) to obtain a trekking permit from the Ministry of Tourism. In addition, U.S. citizens must also hire a licensed mountain guide, buy a personal accident insurance policy for the guide and the porters, and attend a mandatory briefing and de-briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. No trekking is allowed in closed zones, which are located near the Pakistan-Afghan border and near the Line of Control between Pakistan-administered and India-administered Kashmir.

U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution when trekking at high altitudes, and are advised to consult with their medical provider about potential health risks. Only experienced trekkers should go to the northern mountains of the Hindukush, the Karakoramsor, or the Himalayas.

As a result of a June 2013 armed attack on Nanga Parbat base camp, the U.S. Mission to Pakistan suspended all personal travel by U.S. official personnel to Gilgit-Baltistan until further notice. For private U.S. citizen trekkers who decide otherwise, the safest option is to join an organized group or use a reputable firm that provides experienced guides and porters. We strongly encourage trekkers to obtain air ambulance insurance that covers air evacuation from remote areas. Make sure that the air ambulance firm you contract has a local agent in Pakistan who can ensure that local rescue teams provide the required emergency services. Advance payment of the total evacuation cost is required from the insurance company before the rescue teams will perform rescue operations. Over the past year, at least one local rescue subcontractor refused to perform air rescue operations because the U.S.-based air ambulance insurance company could not render timely payment, stranding the trekkers for days. In these situations, the Embassy is unable to intervene or provide rescue services.

U.S. citizens should be aware that adverse weather conditions often delay or cause flights to be cancelled or diverted to other airports without notice. Visit the Pakistan Tourism Development Cooperation website for the most current trekking and mountaineering information.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province (formerly known as the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP)) and the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA): In light of the high security threat level, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar no longer provides consular services. Consular services are handled out of Islamabad. The U.S. government currently allows only mission-essential travel within the FATA and KP Province by U.S. officials. Security and logistical challenges also affect the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency consular services in this area. Pakistani security forces are currently conducting campaigns against extremist elements across many areas of the FATA and parts of KP Province. Access to many areas of Pakistan, including the FATA along the Afghan border, is highly restricted by local government authorities for non-Pakistanis. Travel to any restricted region requires official permission by the Government of Pakistan. Failure to obtain permission in advance can result in arrest and detention by Pakistani authorities. Even in the settled areas of KP Province, terrorist activity and sectarian violence are common. Terrorists and their sympathizers regularly attack civilian, government, and foreign targets.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir: While direct military hostilities between India and Pakistan across the Line of Control (LOC) are infrequent, indirect fire is common, and militant groups are engaged in a long-running insurgency in the area. Most of these groups are anti-American, and some have attacked U.S. citizens and other Westerners. The Government of Pakistan restricts access to many parts of this region and requires that U.S. citizens obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior before traveling.

Punjab Province: Consular operations at the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore have been suspended since August 2013. Persons requiring consular assistance in Lahore should contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The security situation in Lahore and throughout Punjab province – Pakistan’s most populous and prosperous – remains unpredictable. In addition to the incidents cited in the sections above and below, acts of violence occur frequently. Sectarian violence and attacks against government officials and other organizations remain a cause for significant concern.

The Wagah border crossing into India near Lahore remains open daily (from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) for travel to and from India if the passport holder has valid visas for both countries. U.S. citizens are advised to confirm with Pakistani authorities the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. U.S. citizens traveling to Jhang, Attock, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Khushab districts, as well as Jauharabad Tehsil in Muzaffargarh district, require permission from the Ministry of Interior. On November 2, 2014, a suicide bombing took place at Wagah border following the daily border ceremony.

Sindh Province: Karachi has experienced persistently high levels of violence, including frequent bombings, violent demonstrations, and shootings. While most violence in Karachi stems from political, ethnic, and sectarian rivalries, some is anti-Western and anti-American, and there is a significant militant presence in the city. On May 13, 2015, gunmen attacked a bus traveling in Karachi, killing more than 40 of the passengers. Most of the victims were members of the Ismaili Shia Muslim minority community. On April 16, 2015, a U.S. citizen was seriously injured while driving her own vehicle in Karachi after being shot by two gunmen on motorbikes. Evidence obtained by local police suggests that she might have been targeted, in part, because she is a U.S. citizen. Armed groups, including some linked to political parties, routinely engage in the targeted killing of their opponents. In these targeted killings, it is not uncommon for bystanders to become victims. Kidnapping-for-ransom and violent threats are a common practice. The security situation in rural areas and other cities in Sindh province is dangerous, especially for those engaged in overland travel.

U.S. citizens and other westerners continue to be potential targets of hostility and anti-Western attacks in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi has been the target of terrorist attacks and plots in the past decade. Both Sindh and Balochistan are trans-shipment routes for U.S. military equipment en route to and from Afghanistan. Personnel, ports, vehicles, and storage areas believed to be or perceived to be supporting U.S. military shipments have been the subject of terrorist attacks and local political parties have coordinated temporary blockades of cross-border traffic.

Balochistan Province: The province of Balochistan, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, is home to an active separatist movement that clashes regularly with the military and law enforcement. Members of the Taliban, al-Qaida, and other extremist groups are also believed to be residing in the province. The U.S. government currently allows only mission-critical travel within Balochistan province by U.S. officials. Travelers wishing to visit the interior of Balochistan should consult with the province’s Home Secretary and should note that police presence is limited in many parts of the province. Advance permission from provincial authorities is required for travel into many areas and local authorities have detained travelers who lacked proper permission. Quetta, the provincial capital, has experienced bombings and targeted killings. Terrorist attacks against Pakistani government installations and infrastructure have been reported.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan on Twitter and visit the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime is a serious concern for foreigners throughout Pakistan. Carjacking, armed robberies, home invasions, and other violent crimes occur in many major urban areas. These crimes have also occurred in other areas, though less frequently. Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. U.S. citizen travelers to Pakistan are strongly advised to avoid traveling by taxi and other forms of public transportation and to have members of their host organizations or families meet them at the airport. In the past, several U.S. citizen travelers arriving at the international airport in Lahore, who were met by their families, were robbed outside the airport of cash and jewelry after being stopped by a car with fake government license plates. Such schemes are common. Despite a recent reduction in the number of crimes reported in Karachi, the U.S. Consulate in Karachi frequently receives reports from U.S. citizens who have been the victims of robberies at gunpoint. Many calls involve robberies between Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and the city. Some of the calls have alleged involvement by law enforcement personnel. Travel outside urban centers should only be undertaken during daylight hours. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates frequently receive complaints of U.S. citizens alleging the loss of property or financial investment due to the unfair business practices of their Pakistani partners. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan can offer only very limited assistance with business disputes and will usually refer inquirers to local legal representation resources.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can: 

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

If your passport is stolen or taken from you against your will, we can help you replace it. Although the Embassy or Consulate is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Interior is responsible for approving an exit visa. You should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. The Pakistani government requires a police report, called a First Information Report (FIR), to obtain an exit visa to leave Pakistan in the event of a lost or stolen passport. This entire process can take three to four working days.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Pakistan is 15. In addition, local medical emergency responders in Punjab province can be reached by dialing 1122. In Sindh, victims may also call the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) for assistance in reporting a crime. CPLC can be reached in Karachi at (021) 111-222-345.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.