5 serious dangers of traveling in Pakistan

5 of the most serious dangers of traveling in Pakistan. Beware, the country is not for those weak of heart… or stomach.

 

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Pakistan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Governments have strongly advised against travel there, and for good reason: as a foreign traveler, you’ll be in constant danger from a variety of causes the second you set foot in the country… but they might not be the ones you expect.

Terrorism

As with many things in life, everything you’ve heard on Fox News is completely true: Pakistanis are terrorists. We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill, AK-touting, Jihadi Joe kind of terrorists, but something much more sinister… culinary terrorists.

Often disguised as a plump, loving Pakistani mother or grandmother, culinary terrorists are everywhere. They can be found lurking behind every door to every home, ladles at the ready, waiting for their chance to stuff you so full of food that you burst like the human bomb they think you are.

There’s no way to escape it–they will find you, they will sit you down, and they will feed you until you pop. Once you’ve been assaulted, there’s no getting away until they decide that you’re done. You’d be safer staying at home, far away from the sinister cells of feeders and their delicious delectables.

Dangers of traveling in Pakistan: culinary terrorists

You can see the calculating look in her eyes, pondering how best to stuff some more food into our bellies before we depart.

Kidnappings

Kidnappings are a daily occurrence in Pakistan. Foreigners wander aimlessly through the streets, and are often accosted by random Pakistanis along the way. Before they can call out “embassy!”, they are whisked away to the closest stand or apartment for many a cup of chai and conversation. It doesn’t stop there: many foreigners have reported being transported to their captors’ homes, where they are held hostage in comfy beds while being tortured with food, chai, and love.

Resistance is futile, and refusing chai is dangerous: it will only encourage your captors to torture you with more. Beware, captors do not accept ransom, and will refuse all offers to pay from their victims.

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We were held hostage by the family behind Let’s Go to Pakistan, and forced to eat a delicious iftar and many a dessert with them. We’re not sure our bellies will ever recover.

Violence

Violence runs rampant on the streets of Pakistan. No matter where you go, throngs of people will swarm you, seeking a warm handshake or selfie. They will assault your eardrums with questions about your travels, and your opinion of their country. Things can escalate quickly, especially when food is involved–many will assault you with food and hospitality until your body can take no more.

Be particularly cautious of those wanting to become Facebook friends. It is not uncommon for these aggressors to stalk your travels online, in hopes of being able to provide you with more help and hospitality in the future.

Making friends on the train in Pakistan

Forcibly assaulted and forced to pose for photos on the train to Lahore. To make things worse, our assailants helped us carry our heavy backpacks off of the train. Suspicious.

Scams

The rumors are true: Pakistanis are scam artists.

Some will deceive you into thinking you can treat them for their hospitality, only to sneak away and grab the bill while you’re not looking. Others will conspire with waiters to ensure they ignore your attempts to snag the bill at the end of a meal. Pakistanis use every trick in the book to ensure your attempts to pay are futile.

Many will tell you that a hotel is full, or that there is no public transportation, so that they can drive you and host you themselves. Unless you’re prepared to be bathed in love and affection for several days, be on full alert if forced to interact with local people.

Looking out at the view of Moenjodaro in Pakistan

Despite our greatest attempts at cunning, our host in Larkhana managed to pay for everything during our stay there. We tried to outsmart him at Moenjo-daro, to no avail.

 

Theft

Pakistanis are the greatest thieves in the world. We’re not sure how they do it, but they have mastered the art to perfection: there’s no way to travel through the country without your heart being stolen by the people of Pakistan.

Smiling faces on the streets of Karachi, Pakistan

Terrorists? Thieves? Kidnappers? What do you think?

For a more serious take, check out my in-depth guide to safe travel in Pakistan.

 

Pakistan is a dangerous country to travel in. From terrorists to thieves, travelers are subject to all kinds of danger... though not exactly the dangers one might expect.

 

Want to know more about traveling in Pakistan? Check out our Pakistan travel guide!

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Alex Reynolds

American by birth, British by passport, Filipina by appearance. Addicted to ice cream. Enjoys climbing trees, dislikes falling out. Has great fondness for goats which is usually not reciprocated.

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188 thoughts on “5 serious dangers of traveling in Pakistan

    Ayah Hanafy says:

    Thank you for this article!
    Nowhere is completely safe, and of course there are countries which are less safe…
    I’m from Egypt, which is one of them xD
    But a friend of mine and I really want to plan a trip to Pakistan after the COVID-19 situations rests ^_^
    P.S. Very catchy title :”D and I honestly believed it until I read a little…
    It doesn’t look the best on the Google search page; if you can update it to something funny, I really recommend it (just worried about the country’s reputation)

    Rubab says:

    Thanks you so much, guys. I’m really glad that my country left such a good impression on you. Also, I totally got taken in by the title, but I’m glad I took the time to actually read it!

    Iqbal Zaman says:

    Thanks for accepting Pakistan as an adventure and understanding my people. Best of luck in your travels.

    ANONYMOUS says:

    you need to seriously update the title to something positive

    Ali says:

    Indeed Pakistan is a very beautiful country. There are many places in Pakistan for tourism which are safe and they are really fantastic

    Ayesha says:

    Pakistan isn’t dangerous, just there’s a lot of poverty, I should know I was born there.

    Pakistani boy says:

    Damn Man you got me fooled!!!
    At first I thought who is this saying Pakistan is dangerous the moment you step in. Then I read the entire thing. And realised what you are saying is true…..but in a different way. So now I am laughing hard.

    Zoe burnett says:

    Pakistan has been portrayed the worst way by some of our so called representatives. Pakistan is a very peaceful and beautiful country❤️ The culture the tradition the hospitality everything is heart warming. ❤️ I just don’t understand why is the reputation is ruined 🤷🏻‍♀️ And TERRORISM IF WE TALK ABOUT THAT PAKISTAN IS FARRR FROM IT THEY ARE THE SWEETEST EARTHLINGS NOT SOME TERRORISTS WAITING TO EXPLODE ANY FOREIGNER THEY SEE IT IS NONSENSE .

    Sanaullah says:

    Pakistan is more beautifull country no safety issue in pakistan for tourist. Just fack report or rumer creating. Negative mind set is avliable evry country but you know better if you listen to your relation or your personal experience . Media reporting is 80% wrong

    Prasanna says:

    I am a Hindu from southern Parts of India.. and I always fascinated by Pakistan since once it was India and unexplored for me … I am planning on writing a book titled ” a Hindu in Pakistan 2022″ hope I can travel to Pakistan and share my experience in the book.

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