Awe-inspiring mountains, time-honoured traditions and a warm people.
Few Westerners know much about Pakistan beyond media impressions of Islamic fundamentalism, communal violence and martial law, but it contains some of Asia's most mind-blowing landscapes, extraordinary trekking, a multitude of cultures and a long tradition of hospitality.
Due to recent sectarian and political violence in Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and Lahore, travellers are advised to pay attention to any consular warnings before visiting and to exercise very high levels of caution when in these cities and nearby regional centres. A bombing at a political rally in Karachi on 18 October caused around 100 fatalities. Travellers should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
Avoid travel to Waziristan, to northern and western Balochistan, western North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies (FATA), and border areas other than official crossings. In Sindh Province, anti-Western sentiment occasionally bubbles over into violence. Visitors to upper Sindh are encouraged to notify authorities beforehand.
The Swat region in Punjab Province should be considered out of bounds as fighting between the army and militants is intensifying. Though tensions along the Kashmiri Line of Control have eased, travellers should keep abreast of the latest developments.
Large parts of Pakistan-Administered Kashmir and the North Western Frontier Province are still recovering from the massive earthquake that struck the region in October 2005.
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