Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Pakistan, you will encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below about Pakistan is provided for general reference only and might not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic in Pakistan moves on the left; the opposite of U.S. traffic. In addition to this source of potential confusion, overland travel in Pakistan has a variety of other risks. Roads are crowded, drivers are often aggressive and poorly trained, and many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are badly maintained. Local drivers are willing to drive head-on in your lane of traffic if they believe it helps them get to their destination more rapidly. Donkeys, cattle, horse carts, and even the occasional camel can pose roadside hazards in some areas. Roads, including most major highways, also suffer from poor maintenance and often have numerous potholes, sharp drop-offs, and barriers that are not sign-posted. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when traveling at night by road, since many vehicles do not have working headlights or dimmers, nor are most roads properly illuminated or signed. Driving without experienced local drivers or guides is not recommended.

Avoid all public transportation. For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from using taxis, buses, or trains. (See Safety and Security section above.)

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Pakistan’s national tourist office and Pakistan’s national authority responsible for road safety.

The U. S. Embassy has restricted U. S. Government personnel from travel on certain Pakistani military aircraft due to issues with safety and maintenance histories. The embassy advises U.S. citizens planning to travel within Pakistan on such official aircraft to exercise caution, verify the airworthiness of aircraft in planned flights, or to avoid this means of conveyance until such verification can be provided.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Pakistan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.