1. RECENT UPDATES
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.
Section 2 has been updated (paragraph on lawyers' march removed).
See our Global Issues pages for information on avian influenza.
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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Pakistan
- Exercise normal security precautions
- Exercise high degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Avoid all travel
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Pakistan. Canadians choosing to travel to Pakistan despite this warning should carefully evaluate the implications for their security and safety. Canadians already in Pakistan should consider leaving if their presence is not necessary, as transportation may be disrupted or become limited without notice. Canadians should stay informed of the current situation by monitoring news reports and following the advice of local authorities. The High Commission of Canada in Islamabad can provide security advice upon request. The Government of Canada does not permit infants and school-aged dependants of Canadian government personnel to live in Pakistan. The High Commission of Canada in Islamabad has instructed Canadian government personnel to limit their movements in Islamabad until further notice. On November 21, 2008, foreign diplomats were advised by the Pakistani government to restrict their movements to their assigned city due to security threats.
The security situation remains fragile and unpredictable. The terrorist threat remains very high. Terrorist attacks have occurred throughout Pakistan, causing many deaths and injuries, especially since the beginning of 2008. Suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices, and political assassinations were among the tactics used in these attacks. Some attacks involved detailed planning to maximize casualties by using multiple and consecutive explosions. Extremism, ethnic divisions, sectarian strife, regional political disputes, and the situation in Afghanistan are usually the reasons behind these attacks. Pakistani institutions are generally the targets. However, there have also been attacks in public areas, such as hotels, markets, transportation hubs, Western-style fast food outlets, restaurants, and religious sites, including places frequented by foreigners. Only the very best hotels, with stringent security, including metal detectors, should be used; however, no location should be considered free of risks. Mosques and their vicinities at prayer times, especially on Fridays, should be avoided. Canadians should be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to and on days of national significance, such as Independence Day (August 14), National Day (March 23), the Islamic month of Muharram (usually in the months of December and January), and the Muslim holiday of Eid al Fitr (usually in October). Large cities, such as Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, are particularly vulnerable to indiscriminate bombings and other attacks. During the homecoming of Benazir Bhutto to Karachi on October 18, 2007, two bomb explosions caused over 125 deaths and a large number of people were injured. Benazir Bhutto herself was assassinated by a suicide bomber on December 27, 2007. On August 21, 2008, bomb blasts at an arms plant in Taxila killed 63 people and injured over 100 others. On March 3, 2009, gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lankan national cricket team in Lahore, killing at least six police officers and wounding several team players.
In addition, embassies and other international facilities have been targeted or threatened in the recent past. On March 15, 2008, one foreigner was killed and several others, including a Canadian, were seriously injured in a bomb attack on a popular restaurant frequented by Westerners in an upscale section of Islamabad. On June 2, 2008, an explosion occurred in the vicinity of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad; 8 people were killed and 12 seriously injured. The most recent attack occurred on September 20, 2008, at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, which caused more than 50 deaths and injured over 250 people.
Canadians should exercise extreme caution at all times. Any suspicious-looking package or behaviour should be reported immediately to the nearest security authorities. Heightened security measures are currently in place throughout the country. Checkpoints may be set up without warning.
Following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, in November 2008, tensions between Pakistan and India have risen significantly. Travellers should be alert to the developing situation throughout Pakistan (see Travel Warning below for more information).
There is also a very high risk of foreign nationals being kidnapped throughout Pakistan. Kidnapping for criminal and political purposes is a rising phenomenon. It is highly recommended to use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another. On September 28, 2008, a Polish engineer and his three Pakistani security escorts were abducted and killed in the district of Attock in Punjab province, close to the border with the North West Frontier Province.
Canadians planning to leave Pakistan should confirm booking arrangements with their travel agent and/or airline before going to the airport. They should also ensure that all their travel documents are up-to-date, and register and keep in contact with the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad at 92 (51) 208-6000 or the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in some parts of the country (mostly outside urban areas) due to security concerns. In addition, Canadian officials may not be able to provide assistance in areas where the Government of Pakistan prohibits entry or requires advance permission for entry.
Regional Warning:
- Exercise normal security precautions
- Exercise high degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Avoid all travel
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to areas reporting military or militant activity and to all border areas, except official border crossing points; to the Kashmir region (including Azad Kashmir); to the province of Baluchistan, including the city of Quetta; to the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), including Swat, the city of Peshawar and the Khyber Pass; and to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Canadians currently in these regions should consider leaving if their presence is not necessary.
NWFP and FATA
The security situation in the NWFP and the FATA remains volatile due to sectarian violence and to fighting between government forces and militants. Lawlessness is a serious concern in several areas. Bombings, shootings, and mass demonstrations have occurred, resulting in deaths and injuries. Curfews are sometimes imposed. The security situation in Swat is particularly volatile, and road travel through Swat to Gilgit and Chitral should be avoided for the same reasons.
Border with India
Tensions between Pakistan and India have risen significantly since the Mumbai attacks. Canadians could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries. Travel is often limited when tensions are high, and a traveller risks being scrutinized if officials from either country become aware that the individual has recently travelled to the other country.
A ceasefire is in effect along the Line of Control with India and at military outposts in the Karakoram Mountains (including the Siachen Glacier). Caution is advised as the situation remains unpredictable (see Section 9 for information on adventure travel).
Threat to Foreigners
The threat to foreigners is currently high. A number of foreigners, including diplomats, have been kidnapped in the past months. Some foreigners have also been killed. Recent events include: On February 2, 2009, an American working for the UNHCR was kidnapped in Quetta. On November 12, 2008, an American aid worker was killed in Peshawar. On November 11, 2008, a Canadian journalist was kidnapped in the Bannu district of the NWFP. On August 31, 2008, two Chinese engineers were kidnapped in Swat by Taliban militants; one is now freed. On August 26, 2008, the vehicle of an American diplomat was shot at in Peshawar. An Iranian and two Afghan diplomats have also been kidnapped in the past months.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. [own emphasis added]Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.
Demonstrations and Civil Unrest
Demonstrations and civil unrest may occur throughout Pakistan. Some have become violent in the past and caused several deaths and injuries, as well as widespread property damage. The current political situation, ethnic and sectarian conflicts, power cuts, the price increases in commodities, the release of a controversial short film on the Koran, and the Danish cartoons are among the current causes of concern.
Crime
Violent crime is a problem, particularly in Karachi. Armed robbery, random shootings, and armed carjackings occur, mostly in major urban centres.
Travelling after dusk should be avoided, particularly in rural areas where road conditions are unsafe. It is advisable to make arrangements to be met at the airport, especially if arriving after dark.
Travel overland into Sindh province is discouraged unless police are notified well in advance and are able to make the necessary security arrangements. Rural areas of the provinces of Sindh and Punjab should be avoided due to banditry.
If travelling by car, valuable belongings should be kept out of sight and windows should be closed.
The province of Baluchistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for cross-border smuggling.
Petty crime is common. To reduce the probability of becoming a victim, it is recommended to avoid showing signs of affluence and to ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. There are reports that cell phones, credit cards, and passports are currently favourite targets. In Karachi, express kidnappings have occurred where the person is kidnapped for a couple of hours and forced to purchase goods and/or to withdraw money from automatic banking machines.
Cases of drugged food followed by robbery have been reported. Food and drinks should not be accepted from strangers and should not be left unattended in commercial establishments. Only bottled drinks should be ordered in order to maintain control of the situation.
Extortion and corruption can occur in the business environment. Tribal and criminal groups are usually behind these actions. Extortion attempts should be reported to Pakistani authorities and officials at the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad.
Forced Marriages
There are reports of Canadians being forced into marital arrangements. Some are detained in Pakistan against their will and subjected to threats, intimidation, and violence by family members. Passports have been retained by family members. Some victims have been unable to return to Canada without intervention by the Canadian and Pakistani authorities. Forced marriages are contrary to Canadian law. If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities and the local police. You may also contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Emergency Operations Centre (613-996-8885). In Pakistan, you should contact the nearest Canadian government office (see Section 5 for details).
General Safety Information
Dial 15 for emergencies throughout Pakistan.
Power shortages often occur.
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