South Asia
Is Pakistan safe?
L3Reconsider travel
Is Pakistan safe?
Terrorism and kidnapping risks are real in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and border areas; Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and Lahore are calmer. Follow local security advice and avoid demonstrations.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-03-02.
- Homicide rate: 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 13.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 15 · Ambulance 1122 · Fire 16.
- Solo women: Solo women travel the north but draw attention. Dress conservatively (shalwar kameez and scarf), use family sections, and expect stares in cities.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Terrorist attacks, highest in KP, Balochistan and border regions
- Landslides and road closures on the Karakoram Highway
- Monsoon floods, July–September
- India and Afghanistan border tensions closing land crossings
Common scams
- Unmetered taxis quoting foreigner prices; use inDrive or Yango
Laws visitors break by accident
- Blasphemy laws are strictly applied and can carry the death penalty; avoid religious debate.
- Alcohol is illegal for Muslims; non-Muslim foreigners can buy it only at licensed hotel outlets.
- Photographing military sites, checkpoints, bridges or dams can lead to detention.
Safety by place in Pakistan
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Hunza Valley | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Skardu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lahore | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Islamabad | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Karachi | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Gilgit | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Swat Valley | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Pakistan safe for tourists?
Terrorism and kidnapping risks are real in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and border areas; Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and Lahore are calmer. Follow local security advice and avoid demonstrations.
Is Pakistan safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel the north but draw attention. Dress conservatively (shalwar kameez and scarf), use family sections, and expect stares in cities.
What is the emergency number in Pakistan?
Police 15 · Ambulance 1122 · Fire 16.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA)
- Directorate General of Immigration and Passports
- Pakistan Railways
- Speedtest Global Index: Pakistan
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.