Travel Advice for Pakistan

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack and volatile and unpredictable security situation. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you are comfortable travelling to Pakistan knowing that you may be caught up in a terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Pakistan, you should exercise extreme caution. If you are in Pakistan and concerned for your safety, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

Terrorist attacks are likely

We continue to receive a stream of credible reports indicating that terrorists are in the advanced stages of planning attacks in Pakistan against a range of targets, including in Pakistani cities. A number of terrorist groups hostile to Western interests operate in Pakistan. Attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Pakistan. The Pakistani authorities have increased security throughout the country due to the high of threat of terrorist attack. Lahore has experienced over 18 terrorist attacks since 2008. Since March 2010, several major attacks have targeted Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Further terrorist attacks are highly likely. On 20 May 2011, a vehicle carrying diplomats was attacked in Peshawar. On 16 May 2011, a diplomat was killed while driving in Karachi.

Attacks on places frequented by Westerners

There is a very high threat of terrorist attack against places in Pakistan that are frequented by Australians and other Westerners. Targets for terrorist attack could include diplomatic missions and other premises in the diplomatic enclave, hotels (particularly hotels catering to Westerners), clubs, religious sites and places of worship, shopping centres or shopping areas, banks, or educational facilities including universities, international schools and school buses. These attacks could include Western and Australian interests and individuals. You should be aware that terrorists may have different national backgrounds, and may be citizens of Western countries.

Attacks on humanitarian workers

Humanitarian workers and foreign aid agencies have been targeted by militants in the past. On 10 March 2010, the office of an international aid agency in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was attacked. On 5 October 2009, the office of a UN humanitarian agency was bombed. A number of humanitarian workers were killed in these attacks. In addition, on 12 November 2008, a US aid worker was killed by militants in Peshawar. Further attacks on humanitarian workers and aid agencies are possible. Five foreign humanitarian workers have been kidnapped in Pakistan since July 2011, including in Lahore and Multan in Pubjab and Naushahro Feroz in Sindh. See under Safety and Security: Terrorism: Kidnapping for details.

Attacks on Pakistani Government sites

Many recent attacks have focused on Pakistani Government targets, particularly security and military personnel and institutions. Credible reports indicate terrorists continue to plan retaliatory attacks in response to ongoing Pakistan military operations and Western support for Pakistan.

Attacks on religious sites

A number of recent attacks against religious targets in Lahore have resulted in large-scale civilian casualties. These attacks demonstrate the willingness of militants to inflict indiscriminate civilian casualties in public locations. Attacks against religious sites could occur in any part of Pakistan.

Recent mass casualty attacks

Recent mass casualty incidents include:

• On 24 April 2012, a bombing at a train station in Lahore killed four people.
• On 5 April 2012, a suicide bomber attacked a police vehicle in the Malir area of Karachi, not far from the airport, causing a number of deaths.
• On 10 December 2011, militants killed an employee of a German NGO in Karachi.
• On 16 November 2011, a bombing in Karachi killed three militants and two police officers.
• On 19 September 2011, a suicide bombing in Karachi killed at least 8 people and injured a number of others.
• On 19 August 2011, a suicide bomber attacked a mosque in Jamrud near Peshawar, killing at least 43 people and injuring more than 100 others.
• On 13 June 2011, there was a bomb attack in a commercial area of Islamabad.
• On 26 May 2011, an attack on a police building in Hangu, Khyber-Pakhtunhwa, killed at least 24 people.
• On 13 May 2011, twin explosions (one a suicide bomber) killed at least 70 people at a paramilitary training facility Shabqudar Town, 30 kilometres north of Peshawar.
• On 9 March 2011, an attack on a funeral procession in Peshawar reportedly killed more than 36 people.
• On 8 March 2011, an attack on a fuel station in Faisalabad reportedly killed over 20 people and injured 120.
• On 1 September 2010, an attack on a Shia procession in Lahore killed at least 27 people and injured over 200.
• On 1 July 2010, a suicide bombing of a Sufi place of worship in Lahore killed at least 40 people and injured more than 170.
• On 28 May 2010, attacks on two Ahmadi places of worship in Lahore killed almost 100 people and injured over 100 more.
• On 10 March 2010, an attack was carried out on World Vision in Mansehra District (north of Islamabad), killing six staff members and injuring seven. World Vision?s operations in Pakistan have been suspended indefinitely.
• In October 2009, a bomb exploded at the UN World Food Program offices in Islamabad. At least five people were killed and several others were injured.
• In March 2009, a convoy carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team and their security escort was attacked in central Lahore. Five police officers were killed and several people were injured.
• In September 2008, over 50 people were killed and hundreds of others injured when a truck bomb exploded outside the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.

These attacks underscore the very high threat of terrorism in Pakistan. Further attacks are likely.

In March 2010, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested that diplomatic missions in Islamabad take ?extra precautionary measures?, and advised that Pakistani security agencies had been instructed to step up security measures. This has resulted in an increased number of checkpoints and security personnel in Islamabad. The Pakistani Government has issued similar warnings periodically since 2008.

Many terrorist attacks in Pakistan have involved multiple, consecutive explosions.

Terrorist targets

Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere at any time in Pakistan. Cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, and Quetta have recently been targeted. Potential targets include Pakistani government and foreign interests throughout the country.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided at venues. Possible targets include crowded locations likely to result in a large number of casualties, places frequented by foreigners, clubs, restaurants, fast food outlets, embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic interests, educational facilities including universities, and international schools, international hotels, expatriate housing compounds, places of worship, such as mosques and churches, shopping centres, banks, markets, bazaars and supermarkets, airports and aviation interests (including foreign flagged airliners), compact disc and video shops, convention centres, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and other crowded places, identifiably Western interests, premises and symbols, including businesses and non-government organisations (NGOs).

Premises and symbols associated with the Pakistani Government and security forces are frequent targets for attacks. Judicial buildings, such as courts, public transport and transport infrastructure, including trains and airports have been attacked, along with military and police personnel and interests, including police stations and checkpoints. Further attacks are likely.

Militants may mount attacks in the lead-up to and on occasions of national or commemorative significance, such as Pakistan National Day (23 March), the storming of the Red Mosque in Islamabad by government troops (which occurred in July 2007) and Independence Day (14 August).

Kidnapping

There is a very high threat of kidnapping across the whole of Pakistan, but particularly in Baluchistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
A spate of recent incidents involving foreign nationals underscores the very high threat of kidnapping in all parts of Pakistan. A foreign humanitarian worker kidnapped in Quetta, Baluchistan, in January 2012 was murdered in late April. Another foreign humanitarian worker was kidnapped in Naushahro Feroz, Sindh, on 22 January 2012. Two foreign humanitarian workers were also kidnapped in Multan, Punjab, on 19 January 2012. An American aid worker was kidnapped in Lahore, Punjab, in August 2011. All remain in captivity. Two Swiss tourists were also kidnapped in Baluchistan in July 2011 and were held until March 2012.

Australians in Pakistan should be aware of these recent kidnappings involving foreign nationals and our revised assessment that a very high threat of kidnapping now exists across Pakistan. Australians should ensure that they have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians.
For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

Advice to High Commission staff

Due to the very high threat of terrorist attack in Pakistan, security at the Australian High Commission in Islamabad is at a high level. The Australian Government has a ?no children at post? policy for Islamabad and has authorised the voluntary departure of the dependants of Australian High Commission staff.

Security at the High Commission has been further strengthened and remains under constant review.

Staff at the High Commission have also been advised to minimise their use of restaurants and international hotels, to minimise visits to shopping areas and avoid walking in Islamabad.

You should be aware that staff at the Australian High Commission have also been advised to minimise their travel on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad due to the high concentration of potential terrorist targets. You should do the same.

The Australian Consulates in Karachi and Lahore have been closed until further notice for security reasons.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

The security situation in Pakistan remains volatile, unpredictable and could deteriorate unexpectedly. Australians could be caught up in violent unrest. You are responsible for ensuring you are able to depart Pakistan and that your travel documentation remains up-to-date.

International events and political developments in the region or elsewhere may prompt demonstrations or violent protests in any part of Pakistan. Perceived Western interests may become targets of such violence.

Political and sectarian violence in Karachi

Since January 2011, hundreds of civilians have been killed in Karachi as a result of political, sectarian and gang violence. In the first week of July 2011 a large number of people were killed in the ongoing violence. Political and sectarian violence occurred in Karachi in October 2011 and caused a number of deaths. Further violent clashes may occur.

While the attacks typically occur in Baldia Town, Orangi Town, Lyari, PIB Colony, Saddar and Qasba areas, reprisal attacks or operations by security forces may occur anywhere. We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Karachi.

You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations as they may turn violent and could be targeted at perceived western interests. You should also avoid areas where people congregate after Friday lunchtime prayers in all parts of Pakistan.

Regular demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings should be expected and may turn violent. We strongly urge you to avoid all such events as you could be caught up in violence or attacks directed at others. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed local advice. You should closely monitor local information sources for details about possible safety and security risks.

Sectarian violence

Sectarian violence is also common in many parts of Pakistan, especially in Karachi, Kurram Agency, Sindh and Baluchistan.

Australians should be vigilant, particularly during religious festivals and days of religious significance as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks and the likelihood of attacks may increase. In the past, ceremonies held during the Islamic month of Muharram, religious rallies and celebrations have been marred by violence. Large gatherings, such as processions, and places of worship, including mosques and churches, may be targeted. Retaliation is common and has resulted in further deaths. We strongly recommend you stay away from these events and locations at these times.
*Gilgit*
Recent ongoing sectarian violence in the city of Gilgit in northern Pakistan has caused a number of deaths. Additional security forces have been deployed to the area and a curfew has been imposed.

Border regions with Afghanistan

Federally-Administered Tribal Areas: We advise you not to travel to the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas due to security concerns and ongoing Pakistani military operations in border areas with Afghanistan. If you are in these areas, you should consider leaving. With the exception of the official border crossings, which all are currently open, foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 50 kilometres of the border with Afghanistan in Gilgit Baltistan.

Baluchistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (formerly the North-West Frontier Province): We advise you not to travel to Baluchistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa due to the volatile and unpredictable security environment. If you are in Baluchistan or Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (including Swat) , you should consider leaving. Attacks against government, security and military interests in Baluchistan are likely, as are attacks against oil, natural gas, power and communications infrastructure and transport, including the railway network.

Border regions with India

We advise you not to travel to border areas with India (except for Lahore, Kasur and Narowal) due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation and heightened security arrangements along the border. If you are in an area close to the Pakistan-India border, you should consider leaving. You should be aware that foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 15 kilometres of the Kashmir Line of Control and the entire border with India, except for official border crossings.

Violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping, occurs in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in Karachi. You should drive with the doors locked and windows up.

Pick-pocketing and petty theft is common.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Pakistan. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Wearing short-sleeved garments and shorts should be avoided, as should physical contact between men and women in public. Women may be targets of harassment, particularly if they are unaccompanied.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Pakistan does not recognise dual nationality. If you or your father were born in Pakistan, you may be considered by authorities to be a Pakistani national even if you do not hold a Pakistani passport. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide you with consular assistance if you are arrested or detained.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

From late July 2010, severe flooding inundated an extensive area in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh. Millions of people were displaced and more than 1,450 people were killed.

During the monsoon season (July to September), flooding and landslides can occur with little warning throughout the country. In the past, floods have affected millions of people, resulting in many deaths. During these periods, fresh drinking water and food can be in short supply. The high risk of contracting a water-borne disease continues after the floods recede. Services and transport are often affected.

Cyclones can occur in coastal areas of Pakistan. See our Severe Weather: Hurricanes, Cyclones and Typhoons travel bulletin.

Pakistan is in an active seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure .

Some mountainous areas of Pakistan are subject to winter avalanches.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service . If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page , Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council .