Safety in Pakistan is bound to be a concern for expats. There is a threat of terrorism throughout the country, mainly due to the presence of an anti-state and anti-Western organisation known as Tehrik e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Other terrorist organisations believed to have a presence in Pakistan include Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Several governments, including those of the USA and the UK, advise their citizens against all but essential travel to large parts of the country, and against all travel to certain border regions and high-risk provinces. Expats already in the country should minimise the time spent in public locations.
Crime in Pakistan
Crime is a serious issue in Pakistan, especially in big cities like Karachi and Islamabad. Muggings and carjackings are common and can sometimes lead to kidnapping. Expats should avoid travelling alone at night and stay alert. Keep valuables hidden to avoid unwanted attention.
When it comes to abiding by local laws, expats should be aware that homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan, as is importing pork or alcohol products. Unmarried couples who live together also risk falling foul of the law, and they enjoy little legal protection if they do. Possession of illegal narcotics is punished harshly, and offenders may even be sentenced to death. Blasphemy is treated with the utmost severity and can carry the death penalty; expats should steer well clear of the subject in conversation and on social media alike.
Terrorism in Pakistan
Terrorism in Pakistan has produced attacks of varying severity over the years, and Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have borne the brunt. These attacks often target local government officials as well as foreigners. Previous targets include embassies, schools, hospitals, government buildings, religious shrines and airports.
Expats can stay safe by avoiding areas with large crowds, particularly political gatherings or demonstrations. The period leading up to national and provincial elections can be particularly volatile.
Earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan
Pakistan is a major earthquake zone and has been the site of some of South Asia’s deadliest earthquakes. In the event of an earthquake, there is also the threat of aftershocks, landslides and flooding. Seasonal monsoon flooding between June and September is a separate and recurring hazard that regularly displaces large numbers of people.
Expats need to ensure they have plans and provisions in place for this kind of emergency, possibly including an emergency evacuation from the country.
Road safety in Pakistan
Expats looking to brave Pakistan’s roads must be aware that road infrastructure outside major cities can be poor. Some roads in northern Pakistan can be inaccessible due to extreme weather, and driving conditions in the country can be unpredictable.
Carjacking is another safety issue expats must remain vigilant of in Pakistan. Expats are encouraged to use experienced drivers, but if they choose to drive themselves, they should stay alert, especially at night. In the major cities, ride-hailing apps such as Careem and inDrive are widely used and generally considered safer than flagging down a taxi on the street.
Transport and Driving in Pakistan
Health safety in Pakistan
Health safety in Pakistan starts before arrival. The country is one of only two in the world where polio is still a threat.
Expats should make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date for polio, hepatitis A, typhoid, and measles before departing for Pakistan. The country also experiences malaria and dengue fever, and necessary precautions should be taken, especially for those travelling to more rural areas.
Private hospitals operate in major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. Standards at the leading facilities can match international benchmarks, and a handful hold international accreditation; quality elsewhere often falls short of what most expats expect. We still advise expats to take out comprehensive health insurance covering evacuation to a neighbouring country and repatriation if needed.