Is Pakistan safe to visit and travel?

This is an important question asked very frequently from Pakistani people but, unfortunately, there is no short answer to it.

Is Pakistan safe to visit and travel in 2024?

Since Pakistan is the 6th most populated country in the world, with a population of 200 million, composed of several provinces with many political, cultural, and social differences, that it would be a big mistake to consider it as a whole. Safety in Pakistan largely depends on the region you may be heading to. In the past, most unfortunate events have happened in regions that even Pakistani travelers also can’t just pack and head to.

Fortunately, the most beautiful province in Pakistan is also the safest one. Home to the Karakorams, Himalayas, and Hindukush and some of the highest mountains on Earth, Gilgit-Baltistan province is where most travelers spend their time during their visit. Most of its inhabitants are from the most liberal branches of Islam. The literacy rate of Gilgit-Baltistan is also one of the highest in the country and people live in peace and harmony and appreciate diversity.

Most of the mountain communities depend on tourism for a very long time and are very appreciative of this fact. These mountain folks are one the friendliest and down-to-earth people who love being around foreign tourists.

Travelers normally arrive and depart from Islamabad. The capital of the country is, definitely, the safest city in Pakistan. The Government has invested so many resources in security systems, as this is where mainstream urban Pakistani’s live, as well as plenty of foreigners. Islamabad is also the gateway to the northern mountain areas as it offers regular direct domestic flights to both Skardu and Gilgit, not to mention several bus stands. 

There are however fragile areas in Pakistan and the ones which appear more often in the news and often misrepresent the whole country. Examples of such areas are the Tribal Areas of Pakistan and Baluchistan. These are comparatively the least developed areas.

Due to the proximity of Pakistan’s tribal areas with Afghanistan, the Tribal Areas is dangerous for even Pakistanis themselves. It is very difficult to go there even for Pakistanis. The tribal areas thankfully have a strong military presence to maintain peace, security, and infiltration.

The Global Peace Index ranks Pakistan as the 153rd safest country. We know, it is not a very good mark but still, take a look at the ranking table and you will see that it is still better than Russia and just below Turkey and Ukraine.

According to Dawn (Pakistan’s leading newspaper), tourism in Pakistan has increased by 317% since 2014, a figure which is easy to believe, especially when you see a large number of travel influencers and content creators who have been promoting tourism in Pakistan recently.

It is also important to know that due to the personal interest of Pakistan’s Prime Minister and changing government strategy in promoting tourism as a means of generating revenue, Pakistan government is seriously (for the first time) improving security infrastructure in the remaining troubled areas of Pakistan which are still not easily accessible.

Despite everything, we recommend and support all travel, safety, and health guidelines and campaigns by different countries (not all) around the world and therefore strongly advise all travelers to take out some time to read official travel advisory on their countries Foreign office’s website. The safety of travelers should be most important.

EU Ambassador: Pakistan is a “very safe place”.. Read More!

Tip: It is always better to be hosted in Pakistan by friends or acquaintances. Last but not the least, get invited through local designated tour operators who at least for their own sake and responsibility, ensure your safety. For recommendations about tour outfits, write to us! We will make recommendations depending on where you want to visit. The recommendations will be made public only after a thorough categorization.

By the way, we also maintain a very small list of female guides for solo female travelers. Have you read our answers to questions on solo female travel to Pakistan?