Dating back at least 5,000 years, The Indus Valley civilization is one of the oldest in the world. It once spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. Over several centuries, the area underwent successive invasions from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries; and the British came to dominate the region in the 18th Century. The 1947 division of British India into what is now the Muslim state of Pakistan (with west and east sections) and the largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved. India and Pakistan fought two wars (one from 1947 to 1948; the other in 1965) over the disputed Kashmir territory. During a third war between these countries (in 1971), India capitalized on Islamabad’s marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics, which resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. The dispute over the state of Kashmir is ongoing, but discussions and confidence-building measures have helped the two countries begin to work through their difficulties. In February 2008, Pakistan held parliamentary elections; and after the resignation of former President Musharraf in September 2008, Asif Ali Zardari was elected to the presidency. Pakistani government and military leaders are struggling to control domestic insurgents, many of whom are located in the tribal areas adjacent to the Afghanistan border. India-Pakistan relations have been rocky since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, but both countries are taking small steps to put relations back on track.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Medical facilities are accessible in major cities, but access is limited in rural areas. Immediate cash payment could be required for any medical service.

Do not drink tap water, especially in rural areas. Travelers should boil water or drink bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most foods sold in the streets.

Air pollution could become a health concern, especially during the winter. Travelers with respiratory problems should take this into account, and consult a physician prior to departure.

It is recommended that travelers bring with them a sufficient supply of medications.

Avoid All Travel

The decision to travel to a dangerous location is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Travelers are responsible for their own personal safety.

Terrorism

Attacks have taken place in public areas, such as hotels, markets, transportation hubs, western-style fast food outlets, restaurants, and religious sites, including places frequented by foreigners. Travelers should choose only the very best hotels, where stringent security measures include the use of metal detectors; however, no location should be considered free of risks. Mosques and their vicinities at prayer times, especially on Fridays, should be avoided. Large cities, such as Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, are particularly vulnerable to indiscriminate bombings and other attacks.

Recent major attacks include:
 
July 1, 2010 - over 40 people were killed and more than 120 were injured following a series of explosions at a Sufi shrine in Lahore

May 28, 2010 - attacks on two mosques in Lahore left over 90 people dead and an equal number injured

October 16, 2009 - 11 people were killed and approximately 15 were injured in two explosions near a police station in Peshawar 

October 15, 2009 - 38 people were killed in three separate attacks at law enforcement facilities in Lahore

Since January 2010, a series of targeted attacks in Karachi has killed a number of activists from Pakistan’s various political factions. Further attacks of a similar nature cannot be ruled out. While foreigners are not a target of these attacks, they may face incidental risks given that these acts may trigger violent demonstrations and rioting in Karachi. Travelers can also expect tighter security measures and increased police presence in affected areas of the city.

Travelers should exercise extreme caution at all times, and follow the advice of local authorities. Any suspicious-looking behavior and/or packages should be reported immediately to the nearest security authorities.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest

Demonstrations and civil unrest may occur throughout Pakistan. Some have become violent and have resulted in death, injury, and/or widespread property damage. The current political situation, ethnic and sectarian conflicts, power cuts, and the rising price of commodities are among the current causes of concern. Travelers are advised to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and to stay away from areas where they may take place. Demonstrations may turn violent without warning. 

Crime

Violent crime is a problem, particularly in Karachi. Armed robbery, random shootings, and armed carjackings occur, mostly in major urban centers.

Traveling after dusk should be avoided, particularly in rural areas where road conditions are unsafe. It is advisable to make arrangements to have someone meet you at the airport, especially if arriving after dark.

Travel into the Sindh province by land is discouraged, unless police are notified well in advance and are able to make the necessary security arrangements. Rural areas of the provinces of Sindh and Punjab should be avoided due to banditry.

If traveling by car, valuable belongings should be kept out of sight and windows should remain closed.

The province of Baluchistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for cross-border smuggling.

Petty crime is common. To reduce the probability of becoming a victim, it is recommended to avoid showing signs of affluence and to ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. There are reports that cell phones, credit cards, and passports are current favorites. In Karachi, express kidnappings (where an individual is kidnapped for a couple of hours and forced to purchase goods and/or withdraw money from automatic banking machines) have occurred.

Cases of foods being drugged and individuals being robbed have been reported. Food and drinks should not be accepted from strangers, and should not be left unattended in commercial establishments. It is highly recommended to order bottled drinks only, in order to maintain control of the situation.

Extortion and corruption can occur within a business context. Tribal and criminal groups are usually behind these actions. Extortion attempts should be reported to both Pakistani authorities and officials at your country's High Commission in Islamabad.

Kidnapping

There is a very high risk of foreign nationals being kidnapped throughout Pakistan. Kidnapping for criminal and political purposes is a rising phenomenon. It is highly recommended to use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another. In September 2008, a Polish engineer and his three Pakistani security escorts were abducted and killed in the district of Attock in the Punjab province (close to the area which borders the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province).

Forced Marriages

There are reports of travelers being forced into marital arrangements. Some are detained in Pakistan against their will and are subjected to threats, intimidation, and violence by family members. Passports have been retained by family members. Some victims have been unable to return home without the intervention of both authorities from their home country and Pakistani authorities.

General Safety Information

Dial 15 for emergencies throughout Pakistan.

Power shortages often occur.