Pakistan: Ramadan observations to start May 15-16

Event

On May 15-16, Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place between June 14-16. Though practices can vary by country, many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly over weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Additionally, expect tight security measures in major urban areas due to a heightened terror threat. Islamist militant groups - including Al-Qai'da and Islamic State (IS) affiliates, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), the Afghan Taliban, and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), among others - continue to pose a threat throughout the country despite ongoing military offensives aimed at pushing the militants from their strongholds, first launched in 2014. Pakistan has suffered several deadly attacks in recent months, notably in Lahore, Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Finally, local authorities typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. Nearly 96 percent of the Pakistani population is Muslim and 84 percent of them support sharia law, a legal code based on the Quran and other Islamic scripture, as official law of the land in their country.

More generally, this period marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries.

Advice

Individuals in the Pakistan are advised not to eat, drink or smoke in public by day during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

Due to the high threat of terrorism (as well as kidnapping and sectarian violence), individuals present in Pakistan are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. To reduce the risk of kidnapping, individuals should avoid falling into daily routines (i.e. vary the times and routes of travel) to avoid becoming a predictable and vulnerable target. Some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Pakistan, where foreign nationals, in particular Westerners, may be directly targeted.