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Reviewed: 27 May 2009, 15:12 NZDT
Still current at:
12 March 2010
There is extreme risk to your security in Pakistan and we advise against all travel. Terrorism, kidnapping and sectarian violence present a significant risk to New Zealanders in Pakistan. Any New Zealanders currently in Pakistan with concerns for their safety are advised to depart. The security situation in Pakistan remains fragile and could deteriorate further with little warning.
We strongly advise against all travel to areas where there are reports of military or militant activity, in particular, the Swat Valley, North West Frontier Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The Pakistan military is conducting military operations against Taleban groups in these areas. New Zealanders could get caught up in violence directed at others.
There is a very high threat from terrorism in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are now significantly more widespread, deadly and frequent than they were even a year ago. Recent attacks include a suicide bomb attack in March 2009 at a mosque in Jamrud in the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas which killed over 70 people. In March 2009, a gun attack against the Sri Lankan cricket team and their security escort in central Lahore killed five police officers and injured a number of people, including members of the cricket team. In February 2009, a bomb attack in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab killed 32 people and injured 48 others. In September 2008, a suicide bomb attack against the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad killed over 50 people and injured more than 250. There were over 60 suicide bomb attacks throughout Pakistan in 2008, killing over 1000 people.
Further terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Pakistan. Possible targets for terrorist attacks include (but are not limited to) embassies, hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets, markets, shopping areas, schools, tourist areas and places of worship. Terrorists in Pakistan have predominantly targeted the Pakistan authorities in the past, but also locations frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Kidnapping for ransom is a significant problem in Pakistan and foreigners are particularly at risk. The kidnapping threat applies throughout the country but particularly in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas, North West Frontier Province and Baluchistan. In February 2009, a US official working for the UN was kidnapped in Baluchistan. In 2008, an Iranian diplomat, two Afghan diplomats, a Canadian journalist, two Chinese engineers and a Polish engineer were kidnapped in the North West Frontier Province in separate incidents.
The risk of sectarian violence is high and is a major problem in many parts of Pakistan. Attacks have occurred in Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Gilgit, the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and the Northern Areas. Mosques and nearby areas should be avoided at prayer times and especially on Fridays.
Violent crime, including armed car-jacking, robbery and murder occurs in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in Karachi.
New Zealanders who choose to remain in Pakistan are advised to exercise extreme caution in public places, maintain very high levels of personal security awareness and take all possible security precautions to protect their safety. Travel routes and times should be varied and public transport should not be used for security reasons. We recommend you monitor the media and local information sources for new information on threats to safety and security. You should follow the advice of the local authorities.
New Zealanders in Pakistan should be aware of, and adhere to any restrictions in place on travel to certain areas of Pakistan. We recommend that your travel documents are kept up to date and are readily available at all times.
New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, rallies and public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed any local advice.
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Pakistan to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.
As there is no New Zealand High Commission in Pakistan, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens who get into trouble is limited.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Pakistan should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel to Pakistan.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Pakistan are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for South Asia
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