Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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Hi to you all!!!

I have been for a long time reading the forum and finally I’ve registered for asking you a question. Let me explain myself:

I’m planing to come to Pakistan this summer, I would be here around one month. I will be established in Islamabad, and will move in a radius of 100 km aprox. from the capital.

I 've been looking the info available in my country’s Foreign Office (I’m from Spain), and they say about Pakistan: “Don’t travel to Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore (…) unless it’s essential and absolutely needed.”, “People traveling to Pak. will need to extreme their precautions” “High risk of terrorism, sect and politic violence.”, etc… Finally they say that Islamabad (and other territories), since the Marriott Hotel attack, it’s a high risk area that must be avoided.

I know that my Foreign Office is fatalist and extremist. They want to prevent problems scaring citizens. But, what do you think about that? Is Pakistan (the Islamabad zone, to be specific) a few dangerous for an European? Is there a lot of foreign tourism?

I had planned to travel alone, but I have some Pakistani friends in my country who perhaps could come with me. Should it be better to come and travel with a Pakistani friend?

Hundreds of thanks!

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Re: Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

Islamabad is not dangerous, many foreigns people are living there right now, it's just people around you who are making Islamabad or Pakistan dangerous!

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Re: Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

And oh yes it wil be better if you travel with your friends, will be much better for you

And if you do travel, do let us know about the experience :@:

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Re: Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

based on the current situation, it would be a wise thing to take general precautions (as you would do in any part of the world) like dont go out alone at night in areas that you are not familiar with etc. Yes the situation is a bit tense and will probably remain so for some time to come due to the ongoing political unrest.

On the plus side, its a wonderful place to spend sometime, you will love the people, the food, the new cultural experience. Just be yourself, polite and friendly, and you will be okay. Post pictures when you are back :)

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First of all welcome to Gupshup, as you mention you have been reading this forum from long time, you must have idea what is happening in Pakistan currently. So is it safe? Well, firstly, it is not a country geared up for tourism so don't expect the infrastructure to be tourist friendly. But as far as safety is concerned, it is no more unsafe than downtown Manhattan or Rome (i have lived in both cities).

As for the north, it is as safe as a house, especially Lahore and Islamabad. The cities are modern with every facility you, as a tourist, may require. However, the trip can really become great if you are someones guest. One thing I can assure you is that people in Punjab will be more hospitable than any lot in Europe or North America. Just don't mind dazzled looks, the public is not used to seeing so much foreigner, but things are changing. So by all means, fly down and you will enjoy.

The tourist spot up the mountains, such as Murree, Bhurban (theres a 4/5* hotel here within 90 minutes drive of Islamabad), Nathiagali and even further depending on the time you have available.

Good luck, hope you will enjoy your stay in Pakistan :)

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I doubt you will have any trouble at all. Refrain from political debates and religious debates but not to the extent which makes it look like your hiding something. You may not agree with some of the things they say and do but dont focus on that - focus on what similarities youhave. Always emphasise the positive attributes of islam and pakistani culture. Peple will be offended if you criticise them, naturally.

Dress to blend in. Be that only guy in Islamabad who wears shalawar kameez LOL.

You may get thousands of questions on views on politics and religion and pakistan. Rather than criticise the Taliban to unknowns just say you dont know enough about them and itwould be unfair to comment - and that the media is distorted and biased - which is a reality. Most pakistanis dlslike the Talibans regressive values but you may not know who is asking you the questions.

Shaz is right - islamabad is full of foreigners. In the 18 months that suicide bombing has been going on I think only one of the mjaor hotels has been hit ie the marriott. look at thingsd in perspective. There are plenty of international hotels still operating nd until now none have had problems. I am not sure if hotels are being targetted but if youhave noticed the marriot was an exception as a numbe rof people have mentionned here that it mayhave been the place where the drones were operated from ...all conspiracy theories so far but.....who knows what went on there and what rumours were spread.

Many foreigners still trek in the margallas. How far from islamabad do you intend to travel? lahore is not an issue and i doubt peshawar will be too. But theresd more of a chance of something happening to you in peshawar than elsewhere.

Places such as Nathia Gali, Kaghan Valley, Gilgit and Hunza are still very peaceful.

Most foreign office websites go on the worst case scenario - pleasedo check Lonely planet websites and the insight guides - im not sure if they have a website. Lonely Planet had a section where people left messages - theymight stillhave that now.

Hope you have a good trip - safe one too - and do let us know how it all went! Is there any particular activity you are interested in over there?

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First of all, thank you for your welcome and hospitality! I didn’t expect such a big participation in this short time. Thanks to you all

I’m going to bear all your advices in mind. Although I still have to talk with some Pakistani friends from Spain, you have given to me advices that make me have a quite good perspective of the trip. I’m very determined!

The truth is that the main intention of the travel is not to do tourism (I want to know the country too!, but not as main objective). I’m a young journalist and I have planned to do a report about afghan refugees flow and refugees camps in Pakistan. It’s an unknown issue in European countries. I would like to show that other –and quite unknown– side of the invasion of Afghanistan by EEUU. I don’t want to take part, just to explain that hidden truth.

So my intention is to be established in Islamabad and moving to the nearest refugee settlements (Ghazi, Panian, Padhana, Basu Mera, etc.)

It’s a freelance project, means that I’m paying everything from my pocket, and once back to my country I would try to sell it. If not… well, it should have been a good way to know the country and get experience in my job!

So I would travel with photographical equipment, I believe that it’s not going to be a problem. Do all this that I have explained adds any problem to the trip? (I don't think so, but it's better to ask...)

Another time, lots of thanks!

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For that i would highly recommend to talk to your fellow journalists/ ISPR (Inter Services Public Relations) / NWFP Provincial Government / Punjab Provincial Government / Islamabad Federal Territory / Frontier Constabulary (Military Police).

These are the organizations//Local governments whom you will interact for your tour, contact them and they will happily escort you out, can arrange tours for you as well. Call local embassy of Pakistan in Madrid and ask for General Information regarding Journalists. Carrying photography equipment will not be a problem, just take precautions while filming Women, Beard People, Military/Government installations, That’s it !

Hope it will help, further if you are going in March, then i can help you out in your project too. I will be in Pakistan from 8th March to 22 March.

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I would not advise you to just go wandering into the Afghan Refugee camps just like that. I had a pashtun friend from England who went to an Afghjan refugee camp to give them some money and provisions. He was lucky to come out alive. He was literally pounced upon by them and whatever he had was forcefully taken off him, even his own money …he was lucky to walk out with his own shoes and clothes in one piece.

That was an Afghan refugee camp in Peshawar. i am not sure how those you mention are. I am not sure what practical advice your pakistani friends from Spain can give you. I am not sure if they have travelled around Pakistan.

I know where Ghazi is but where are Panian, Padhana, Basu mera? There are plenty of Afghan refugees on the western side of Islamabad/Pindi in Pir wadhai. There is a small camp there.

If your going to travel with photographic equipment there i would advise you to join flickr - there are a number of pakistani photography groupson www.flickr.com, many which are very active. The people come form all walks of life except the poor/very poor backgrounds. I could put you in touch with some people if need be.

Timepass- December 2012
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Firenze, thank you very much for your advices. I'm sure they are going to be quite useful. Thank you very much too for your offering, but our dates doesn't coincide: I've planned go to Pakistan afterwards. I'm really pleased and grateful with your help.

Thejoke,thank you very much too for your advices and offering. The refugees settlements I talked about are administered by UNHCR (the United Nations refugees agency). So I suppose (and hope!) they are not going to be as chaotic as the one you described. (By the way, in the UNHCR website you can look up all the refugees camps in Pakistani territory, if someone is interested in). Thank you very much for worry about that!

Thanks!

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Re: Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

Islamabad is probably the nicest city of South East Asia. There are a lot of scenic places to visit in and around the city and tourist are generally welcome.

However, currently there are certain elements in the country who want to create chaos and have done acts of terrorism against innocent public. Looking at the trend, these acts of terrorism may continue in the near future. Even when someone is not a target, it is possible to become collateral damage.

Secondly, there may possibly be some elements in Afghan refugee camps who sympathize with these terrorists. I think it is a risky time to visit Afghan refugee camps.

You need to observe caution. Do consult with your embassy about the latest security warnings, as intelligence agencies share such information with foreign missions.

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Re: Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

Man I would not go to pakistan and im a brown skined paki! Even if the government promises presidential style security!!

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Re: Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

Paur,
Its great to read that you are interesting to come to Pakistan. No doubt there is a terrorism terror and we can not ignore it, but its every where my friend. Tell me which country is safe? I also live in Islamabad but its not like that what the media shows. As brother Shaz and firenze mentioned, it is safe place. I offer you my company and will show you around. Believe me you will enjoy and gain a good experience. Islamabad is becoming more beautiful as the time passes. So much security is around. Pakistan is a great country and never miss the chance to see it.
Good Luck.

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Paur sir, if you love yourself please donot come.Actually, pakistanis are planning to move to other countries.

If its not veeeeeery important to visit pakistan,please donot.

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Mate you're better off going to Iran than to Pakistan.

Pakistan v India - 2nd ODI - 2012/13
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Your planned activity outside of Islamabad increases your risk greatly. There are terrorists active in the refugee settlements. Spain has troops in Afghanistan and they filed a report that ISI has assisted the Taliban in causing trouble in Afghanistan, you could seen as guilty by associate by some. Having contacts within Pakistan like you do is good but what do you know about their contacts and their contacts contacts? You would need permission from office of the Commissioner of Afghan Refugees to go to the camps and traveling to the camps and being located where they are would be dangerous. Make sure you buy a refundable ticket as you said you wouldn't go until the summer. Between now and then the security situation could very greatly.

Pakistan v India - 2nd ODI - 2012/13
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Re: Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

I couldn't understand how the Pakistanis here are tarnishing the image of the country at this tough time. Really strange.
Its better those people surrender their Pakistani citizenship.

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Most of us can see the reality of the situation.

To answer the original question, Pakistan currently is not even save for Pakistani citizens.

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Re: Is Pakistan a dangerous place for european citizens?

Tu kya karen? Chor den iss ko?

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navid83 and sameenji are our Indian friends and have no clue about Islamabad apart from the biased reports they see on Indian media.