Hi, sorry if I’m pressing the issue here and I don’t want to offend anyone, but I am planning a trip to Pakistan in November and am wondering if it is indeed safe for me and my friends. We are all from the US, and obviously so. Can’t really hide that, but we are going to the north east and only passing through the capitol and other major cities. We have a friend who grew up there and is going to lead us around too.
Am I just letting the media get to my by having second thoughts about this trip, or are they founded in some real danger for us? Hope to hear some good news
I have bumped into a few Americans but that was back in 2006 and not on my 2008 visit.
A lot of it depends on where you will visit and what you mean by the north-east? That could be the punjab, Kashmir or even the Gilgit Agency.
I personally dont feel there is any real threat to you and you will probably come back enjoying yourself. It is not obvious that you will be from the USA but when if you do check into hotels then your passport details would be requested.
Maybe you should checkout travel websites such as Lonely Planet, Im not sure if Insight have a travel website - they used to have message boards where people left information, advice, experiences.
There are no Taliban strongholds in the north-east and thay have little influence there - the north east is not next to afghanistan so it has not soaked up any insurgents.
Most people are generally quite friendly, and people will strike up political conversations - it would be better to admit that wrongs have been committed by America and that Bush is a bad man. Its better to compliment the host country, some of its traditions and of course some Islamic practises.
I would not mention that your American as there are people out there who believe everyone American is a legit target .
I personally dont feel you would have any problems although it is a good idea to pay heed to the worst case travel scenarios.
I just got back from Pakistan 2 days ago and had a wonderful time there. And despite all the tohuwabohu in the media I did run into quite a few Westeners, especially in Karachi. The high-end hotels like Marriott, Pearl Continental, etc. have suffered a major blow financially though.
You should probably avoid large gatherings of people, but other than that you'd be absolutely fine.
Given the state of affairs in Pakistan, if your white then you are a target. Travelling to or through a big or small city doesn't make a difference. Gone are the days when tourists could confidentaly travel to the northern areas.
I just got back from Pakistan 2 days ago and had a wonderful time there. And despite all the tohuwabohu in the media I did run into quite a few Westeners, especially in Karachi. The high-end hotels like Marriott, Pearl Continental, etc. have suffered a major blow financially though.
You should probably avoid large gatherings of people, but other than that you'd be absolutely fine.
I also came back from Lahore last week....
Ordinary locals are scared of getting into large gatherings like markets etc, so what can one say of foreigners moving freely.
There was no rush on eid either, except for chand raat when they announced the eid unexpectedly.