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Pakistan Travel Warnings

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Political Situation (demonstrations) section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
We advise against all travel to areas where there are reports of military or militant activity. This applies particularly to: northern and western Balochistan, including the Sui/Dera Bugti and Kohlu areas; the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, including Waziristan; Swat (North West Frontier Province); and all border areas except for official crossing points. See the Terrorism and Sectarian Violence and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.

We advise against all but essential travel to Quetta (Balochistan) and we advise against using the rail network or bus services in the whole of Balochistan because of the unsettled security situation. See the Terrorism & Sectarian Violence section of this advice for more details.

There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. Since January 2007 there has been a series of attacks and suicide bombings targeted both at the authorities and at locations frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See the Terrorism & Sectarian Violence section of this advice for more details.

In July 2007 the Pakistani security forces engaged in military action against militant Islamists occupying the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) and associated seminary in central Islamabad. The Pakistani authorities have since heightened security across the whole country, particularly in the tribal areas and at international hotels in Islamabad.

You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. You may wish to seek local advice on the latest situation from the Security Section of the British High Commission in Islamabad or the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi.

The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Pakistan in 2006 was to replace lost or stolen passports. However, assistance to victims of forced marriage or child abduction is also common. If you are concerned about either issue see: forced marriages and child abduction.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.