TRAVEL REPORT – for Canadians Traveling to Pakistan
WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Pakistan. Canadians choosing to travel to Pakistan despite this warning should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety. Canadians already in Pakistan should consider leaving if their presence is not necessary, as means of transportation may be disrupted or become limited without notice. The Government of Canada does not permit infants and school-aged dependants of Canadian government personnel to live in Pakistan. The High Commission of Canada in Islamabad has instructed Canada-based staff to limit their movements in Islamabad until further notice.
The security situation remains fragile and unpredictable. The terrorist threat remains very high. Terrorist attacks have occurred throughout Pakistan, causing many deaths and injuries, most notably since the beginning of 2008. Extremism, sectarian strife, regional political disputes and the situation in Afghanistan are usually the reasons behind these attacks. Pakistani institutions are generally the targets. However, there have also been attacks in public areas, such as hotels, markets, transportation hubs, Western-style fast food outlets, restaurants, and religious sites, including places frequented by foreigners. Only the very best hotels, with stringent security, including metal detectors, should be used; however, these hotels may also become targets. Mosques and their vicinities at prayer times, especially on Fridays, should be avoided. Canadians should be particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national significance, such as Independence Day (August 14), National Day (March 23), the Islamic month of Muharram (which started on December 29, 2008) and the Muslim holiday of Eid al Fitr (October 1-5 this year). Large cities, such as Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, are particularly vulnerable to indiscriminate bombings and other attacks. During the homecoming of Benazir Bhutto to Karachi on October 18, 2007, two bomb explosions caused over 125 deaths and a large number of people were injured. Benazir Bhutto herself was assassinated by a suicide bomber on December 27, 2007. On August 21, 2008, bomb blasts at an arms plant in Taxila killed 63 people and injured over 100 others.
Additionally, embassies and other international facilities have been targeted or threatened in the recent past. On March 15, 2008, one foreigner was killed and several others, including a Canadian, were seriously injured in a bomb attack on a popular restaurant frequented by Westerners in an upscale section of Islamabad. On June 2, 2008, an explosion occurred in the vicinity of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad; 8 people were killed and 12 were seriously injured. The most recent attack occurred on September 20, 2008, at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, which caused more than 50 deaths and injured over 250 people.
Canadians should exercise extreme caution at all times. Any suspicious-looking packages or behaviour should be reported immediately to the nearest security authority. Heightened security measures are currently in place throughout the country. Checkpoints may be set up without warning.
Canadians should also know that on September 28, 2008, a Polish engineer was abducted in the district of Attock in Punjab province, close to the border with the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). The three Pakistani security escorts who were with him were killed.
Canadians planning to leave Pakistan should confirm booking arrangements with their travel agent and/or airline. British Airways recently announced the suspension of its flights to and from Pakistan. They should also ensure that all their travel documents are up-to-date, and register and keep in contact with the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad at 92 (51) 208-6000 or the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. We may not be in a position to provide prompt consular assistance in remote areas.
Regional Warning
Exercise normal security precautions Exercise high degree of caution Avoid non-essential travel Avoid all travel
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to areas reporting military or militant activity and all border areas except for official border crossing points; the Kashmir region (including Azad Kashmir); the province of Balochistan, including the city of Quetta; the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), including Swat, the city of Peshawar and the Khyber Pass; and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
The security situation in the NWFP and the FATA remains volatile due to sectarian violence and to fighting between government forces and militants. Bombings, shootings and mass demonstrations have sometimes occurred, which resulted in deaths and injuries. Curfews are sometimes imposed. The security situation in Swat is particularly volatile and road travel through Swat to Gilgit and Chitral should be avoided for the same reasons.
The threat to foreigners is currently high in the NWFP and the FATA. A number of foreigners, including diplomats, have been kidnapped in the past months. Some foreigners have also been killed. Recent events include, but not limited to: On November 12, 2008, an American aid worker was killed in Peshawar. On November 11, 2008, a Canadian journalist was kidnapped in the Bannu district of the NWFP. On August 31, 2008, two Chinese engineers were kidnapped in Swat by Taleban militants; one is now freed. Finally, on August 26, 2008, the vehicle of an American diplomat was shot at in Peshawar.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada's policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual's personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.
Demonstrations and Civil Unrest
Demonstrations and civil unrest may occur throughout Pakistan. The current political situation, power cuts, the price increases in commodities, the release of a controversial short film on the Koran and the Danish cartoons are among the current causes of concern. Canadians are advised to avoid all political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they will occur, as they might turn violent without warning; they should also monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. From June 10 to June 14, 2008, lawyers marched throughout the country in support of the reinstatement of Supreme Court and High Court judges who were dismissed in November 2007.
Crime
Petty crime is common in certain areas of Pakistan. Violent crime is also a problem, particularly in Karachi.
Armed robbery, random shootings, and armed carjackings occur, mostly in major urban centres.
Avoid traveling after dusk, particularly in rural areas where road conditions are unsafe. You should arrange to be met at the airport, especially if arriving after dark. Do not travel overland into Sindh province unless police are notified well in advance and are able to make the necessary security arrangements.
Avoid rural areas if you travel to the provinces of Sindh and Punjab due to the possibility of banditry.
The province of Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for cross-border smuggling. Tensions between tribal leaders and Pakistani authorities can lead to violence in the streets. Curfews have been imposed.
Kidnappings, for criminal and political reasons, are a rising phenomenon.
Border with India
A ceasefire is in effect along the Line of Control with India and at military outposts in the Karakoram Mountains (including the Siachen Glacier). Tensions have eased significantly, but caution is always advised, as the situation remains unpredictable. Mountain climbers should avoid the disputed areas. The following peaks are considered dangerous: Rimo; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II, and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri.
Forced marriages
There are reports of Canadian citizens being forced into marital arrangements. Some are detained in Pakistan against their will and subjected to threats, intimidation, and violence by family members. Passports have been retained by family members. Some have been unable to return to Canada without intervention by the Canadian and Pakistani authorities. Forced marriages are contrary to Canadian law. If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities, including your local police. You may also contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Emergency Operations Centre (613-996-8885/1-800-387-3124). In Pakistan, you should contact the nearest Canadian government office.
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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Pakistani authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and its consulates for up-to-date information.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Pakistan.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver's license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:
Pakistan – ISLAMABAD, High Commission of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5, Islamabad
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1042, Islamabad,
Tel.: 92 (51) 208-6000
Fax: 92 (51) 208-6902
E-Mail: isbad-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.pakistan.gc.ca
Pakistan – KARACHI, Consulate of Canada
Address: c/o Beach Luxury Hotel, Room 120, Moulvi Tamiz Uddin Khan Road, Karachi 74000
Tel.: 92 (21) 561-0685
Fax: 92 (21) 561-0673/4
E-Mail: honcon@khi.comsats.net.pk
Internet: http://www.pakistan.gc.ca
Pakistan – LAHORE, Consulate of Canada
Address: 102-A, First Floor, Siddiq Trade Centre, 72 Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore
Tel.: 92 (42) 578-1763
Fax: 92 (42) 578-1967
E-Mail: info@canconlhr.org.pk
Internet: http://www.pakistan.gc.ca
Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in some parts of the country (mostly outside urban areas) due to security concerns. In addition, Canadian officials may not be able to render assistance in areas where the Government of Pakistan prohibits entry or requires advance permission for entry.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa directly at 613-996-8885.
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6. TRAVEL HEALTH
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or “bird flu”, in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization’s Web site. For more information, see our Global Issues page on Avian Influenza.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are good in major cities but limited in rural areas.
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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
The use of alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. Sentences for drug offences are severe. The death penalty may be imposed for drug trafficking.
The country’s customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively. Shorts are considered inappropriate attire for both men and women, particularly in remote locations. Women should consider carrying a headscarf with them at all times while travelling in Pakistan.
Dual nationality
Dual nationality is recognized. However, Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services is limited for those who do not travel on a Canadian passport.
Dual nationals who travel to Pakistan on Pakistani passports are advised that a valid Canadian passport will be required for return travel to Canada. Canadian citizenship cards are not accepted as travel documents and there are no exceptions to this rule. Dual nationals who are considering travel to Pakistan are advised to consider this requirement prior to travel. The service standard for passport issuance at the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad is 15 working days.
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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
Traffic drives on the left. Roads are crowded and poorly maintained. Drivers are aggressive. Many vehicles do not have proper illumination at night.
If you are travelling to Hunza via the Karakoram highway, we strongly advise you to travel only during daylight hours and to ensure that, if you are travelling by bus, two drivers are available. Sections of the road are very narrow with precipitous drops and are sometimes partially obstructed by rock and earth slides.
Official permission is required to visit certain areas of Pakistan. Travellers should determine in advance whether the areas they intend to visit are restricted in any way.
Canadians intending to trek in Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral, and the Swat Valley should use licensed guides and tourist agencies only.
The earthquake of October 2005 destroyed much of the infrastructure in the northern areas of the country. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing in these regions. There are frequent road closures, and travel is considered to be extremely difficult in the areas affected by the earthquake.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
The currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR). Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted by a few establishments in larger cities. Currency can be exchanged at all international airports.
Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Pakistan is located in an active seismic zone. When an earthquake occurs, strong aftershocks are possible up to one week after the initial quake, which may cause landslides in affected areas. The most recent and serious earthquake occurred on October 29, 2008. The earthquake, which was 6.5 on the Richter scale, struck the south-western province of Balochistan. Hundreds of deaths and injuries were reported. Property and road infrastructure were also seriously damaged.
The monsoon season extends from July to September and can result in flooding, especially along the Indus. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Returning to Canada
Traveller’s Checklist
Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=229000
December 31, 2008
Posted in: Pakistan