Is Pakistan safe?

Despite the upheaval Pakistan has experienced over the past few decades, many well-populated areas and major cities are now considered safe to visit. This includes Islamabad and Lahore, as well as mountainous regions like Gilgit-Baltistan.

Pakistan has dealt with significant security challenges in the past, particularly during the height of terrorist activity in 2008 and 2009. Most activity was concentrated in border areas with Afghanistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formally the Federally Administered Tribal Areas). Since then, the government has undertaken extensive counterterrorism efforts, resulting in a notable reduction in incidents, especially in major cities and tourist hotspots.

Many government travel advisories advise against travelling to the Balochistan region due to security concerns. However, our trips are focused in northern Pakistan which is considered stable for travel.

Tensions between Pakistan and India remain high, particularly around the dispute over the Kashmir region to the east of Islamabad. The Kashmir border continues to be a high-risk zone, and most governments advise against travel to Kashmir and the surrounding areas.

Pakistan's western border with Afghanistan also remains unstable, with most travel operators avoiding this region altogether.

Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling in Pakistan. While the risk of an incident occurring on your trip is very low, below are some tips for safety and peace of mind:

• Respect local dress codes and dress conservatively with long-sleeved, loose clothing.
• Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, unlit city streets and village lanes when alone at any time of day.
• Avoid travelling alone on public transport, or in taxis or auto-rickshaws, especially at night.
• If you use a taxi, get them from hotel taxi ranks and use pre-paid taxis at airports. Try to avoid hailing taxis on the street.
• If you’re being collected at the airport by a driver, ensure they have properly identified themselves before you set off.