Pakistan Country Report

Pakistan is an ethnically and linguistically diverse country. Its transition to democracy has so far held, though the military has retained significant informal decision-making power. The country has also had some success during the past decade at fomenting growth of the services sector, in addition to traditional economic bases of agriculture and manufacturing (including textiles). However, the country continues to grapple with periodic economic crises, having approached the International Monetary Fund for assistance at least 23 times.

The risks associated with travel to Pakistan are manifold. Terrorism remains disturbingly common, as do military skirmishes in Kashmir and Punjab along the border with neighboring India. Criminal activity is a noted problem in certain cities, such as Karachi, and infrastructure outside urban areas is highly deficient. Those with longer-term stays will also likely witness disconcerting levels of corruption and a fundamentally weak rule of law.

Civil unrest remains a concern in Pakistan for the medium term amid an economic crisis and political uncertainty. Violent protests escalated following the detention of opposition leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan May 9, prompting multiple countries to advise avoiding demonstrations. Further rallies and related clashes remain likely in the near term, and until general elections occur in or after October.Cross-border skirmishes with India are common along parts of the border, and relations with Afghanistan are also tense. Crime will vary drastically according to the specific environment, with some locales such as Karachi experiencing much higher crime rates while other, often rural, areas see much lower levels. Pakistan has been one of a handful of battleground states in the fight against transnational and domestic Islamist terrorism. The country has an extremely active culture of political protest, which sometimes leads to violent incidents.

International carriers are considered safe for travel to and from Pakistan. Airports themselves have experienced terror attacks but have generally improved security as a response. Pakistan is thought to be both a perpetrator and victim of cyberattacks; its defenses are likely moderate. The country’s road conditions in urban environments are acceptable but chaotic; highways are generally adequate, but rural roads can prove treacherous. Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are somewhat reliable in urban areas, though blackouts are still common. Rural areas, depending on how far they are located from major urban centers, may be completely off-grid.

Pakistan’s climate varies immensely due to its diversity of geography. Pollution, both water- and air-based, is a major problem due to poor enforcement of environmental and property laws in terms of both residential and industrial habits. Earthquakes are an extremely common occurrence. Monsoon season regularly causes flooding in the country’s river basin region, with flooding also an issue in coastal regions during the April through December cyclone season. Snowfall and rain-induced landslides are also issues in more mountainous areas.

Pakistan has several diseases and health threats, including dengue and malaria. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. Decent-quality private medical facilities can be found in major cities; however, healthcare is lacking in rural locations. Access to mental health services is limited. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Corruption in Pakistan is highly endemic despite constant political pledges to address it. Rule of law is critically weak, though the country's continuance of its most recent transition to democracy offers some hope. Pakistan has so far maintained its re-democratization since 2008, but the military holds considerable influence and autonomy. Pakistan does face a moderate risk of continued, targeted unilateral sanctions.