Pakistan🇵🇰
Pakistan is a South Asian country located mainly in the northern and western parts of the Indian subcontinent. It shares borders with India on the east, Afghanistan and Iran on the west, China in the north, and the Arabian Sea on the south. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and picturesque landscapes, Pakistan offers several tourist attractions such as the ancient sites at Mohenjo-Daro, Taxila, and Harappa, Mughal architectures such as Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Shalimar Gardens. Pakistan is also home to some of the highest mountains, K2 and Nanga Parbat, and welcomes climbers from around the world. The national sport is cricket and the local cuisine like Biryani, Haleem, and Naan is often a must-try for visitors
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid expressing public affection, as it is considered inappropriate, especially in conservative areas.
- Avoid drinking tap water. Always opt for bottled water or boiled tap water.
- Avoid traveling alone at night, particularly in less crowded and poorly lit areas.
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics like religion and politics.
- Avoid dressing inappropriately. Always dress modestly respecting local customs, especially at religious sites.
- Avoid non-essential travel to the areas bordering Afghanistan, as these regions are particularly affected by terrorism and military conflicts.
- Avoid unrest and large gatherings as they can quickly turn violent.
- Avoid poorly maintained or overcrowded public transport to avoid accidents.
- Avoid consuming food and drinks from street vendors to prevent food poisoning.
- Avoid disrespecting or ignoring local customs and traditions. Always ask permission before photographing people or religious sites.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Pakistan faces significant crime issues, with theft, armed robbery, carjacking, and other violent crimes common, particularly in urban areas like Karachi and Lahore. Also, there has been escalating violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces due to militant activities and sectarian unrest. While the government has taken steps to curb crime, police effectiveness varies widely.
Terrorism 💣
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Pakistan has frequently suffered from domestic and international terrorist incidents. Major attacks include the 2014 Peshawar school massacre which killed 146 people, mainly children, and the 2017 Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine suicide bombing which resulted in 90 deaths. Groups such as the Pakistani Taliban continue to pose significant threats, especially in the northwestern region.
War ⚔️
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Pakistan has been involved in several military conflicts, primarily with its eastern neighbor, India, over the disputed Kashmir region. The Kargil War in 1999 was the latest full-scale conflict. Since then, ceasefires and diplomatic efforts have brought relative stability. However, occasional cross-border exchanges continue, raising security concerns.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Pakistan is prone to various natural disasters including floods, earthquakes, and land sliding. Notable incidents include the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which killed approximately 80,000 people and left millions homeless, and the 2010 flood, which affected 20 million people.
Medical Care 🏥
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Healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan varies widely. While some urban areas have well-equipped healthcare facilities, many rural areas lack basic services. Quality of medical care tends to be lower than in Western countries. Many health professionals are competent but language may be a barrier and counterfeiting of medications is a significant issue.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Pakistan is generally not safe to drink due to the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. It is advisable for travelers to purchase bottled water or boil tap water before consuming.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Pakistan has a high disease burden, with prevalent illnesses including hepatitis, tuberculosis, and polio. Dengue fever outbreaks also occur. Travelers are advised to take appropriate vaccinations and health precautions.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a significant issue in Pakistan, affecting many sectors including law enforcement, healthcare, and education. The country consistently ranks low in transparency and high in corruption in international indices. Several past and current political leaders have faced corruption charges.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Women, particularly foreign women, should be cautious as instances of sexual harassment and gender-based violence have been reported. While the situation is improving, traditional attitudes toward women persist, especially in more conservative and rural areas.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan and societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community are generally negative. Cases of discrimination and violence have been reported. Queer travelers need to exercise caution.
Censorship 📺
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Pakistan has relatively high levels of censorship. This includes media restrictions, internet censorship, and limitations on freedom of speech. Journalists and bloggers have faced harassment and threats.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Rail and bus networks connect major cities, but overcrowding and on-time performance can be issues. Road travel can be dangerous due to poorly maintained infrastructure and reckless drivers. Accidents, particularly minibus and auto-rickshaw crashes, are common.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While Pakistan has experienced improvements in some areas of safety, overall it still poses considerable risks, particularly in terms of potential terrorist attacks, high incident of crime and risk of natural disasters. Adhering to safety guidelines, respecting local customs and avoiding travel to volatile regions can mitigate some risk.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries have embassies in the capital city, Islamabad, and consulates in other major cities. These include the US Embassy in Islamabad, the British High Commission in Islamabad, and Australian High Commission in Islamabad.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Before traveling, it is recommended to get vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap(Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, Influenza, Meningitis and Polio.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Pakistan is home to various animal species which can pose risks including venomous snakes such as cobras and vipers, black bears, jackals, and even leopards in the northern mountains. Stray dogs are also common and can carry diseases such as rabies.
🧾 Visa Requirements
Most foreign nationals require a visa to visit Pakistan. These are usually single-entry and valid for three months. e-Visas can be obtained online, while visa-on-arrival is available for group tours from certain countries.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and private exchange companies.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger cities. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, cash is still the best option.
👨🌾 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
While Pakistan offers some teaching and volunteering opportunities, its suitability for work and travel is limited due to safety concerns and visa restrictions.
💰 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Pakistan is relatively low compared to Western countries. However, prices can vary significantly depending on location, with larger cities like Karachi and Lahore being more expensive than rural areas.