Many terrorist groups hostile to Western interests operate in Pakistan. The threat of attack remains very high, especially in Baluchistan and KPK provinces.
Counter-terrorism operations occur across the country. There are fewer terrorist attacks in Pakistan now than in recent years, but they’ve become more lethal.
Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time.
Many terrorist attacks in Pakistan have involved multiple explosions, one after the other.
Security officials may cut mobile phone services. This can occur when the threat of terrorism is high or straight after an incident.
If you must go to Chitral district or Gilgit Baltistan, travel by commercial aircraft and not by road, as the safety and security risks are significant.
Recent terror attacks
Since January 2020, the following large attacks have occurred:
2020
- 10 August – 6 killed and 21 injured when a roadside, motorbike-borne IED in Chaman, Baluchistan.
- 5 August – 39 people were injured when an incendiary device was detonated at a rally in Karachi, Sindh.
- 29 June – 4 terrorists and 5 others killed and 3 injured in an attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi.
- 19 May – 6 army soldiers killed when a roadside improvised explosive device exploded in the area of Mach, Baluchistan.
- 8 May – 6 military personnel killed in an improvised explosive device explosion in Buleda area of Kech, Baluchistan.
- 26 April – 9 terrorists, 2 security officials killed and 5 security officials injured in an exchange of gunfire in Khaisor, North Waziristan.
- 18 March – 4 security personnel and 7 terrorists killed in an armed clash between security forces and terrorists in Datta Khel, North Waziristan
- 17 February – at least 11 people were killed and 35 injured in an improvised explosive device attack near the Press Club in Quetta, Baluchistan.
- 10 January – 15 people killed and 20 injured in a suicide attack at a mosque during sunset prayers in Quetta, Baluchistan.
- 7 January – three peopled killed and two injured during an exchange of gunfire in Saddar, Rawalpindi.
- 7 January – two people killed and 14 injured by an improvised explosive device exploded outside a local hospital in Quetta.
2019
- 3 December – four police officials were abducted and one was killed during an exchange of gunfire in Bolan, Quetta.
- 15 November – three police officials were killed and five injured when an improvised explosive device exploded in Buleli, Quetta.
- 13 May – 4 people were killed and 12 injured in a suicide attack in Quetta, Balochistan
- 11 May – 5 people were killed and 6 injured in an attack by a militant group on a major hotel in Gwadar, Balochistan.
- 8 May – 12 people were killed and 30 injured in a suicide attack outside the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore, Punjab.
- 12 April – 21 people were killed and 48 injured in a suicide attack at a vegetable market in Quetta, Balochistan.
In the past, terror attacks have targeted the Pakistani government, military and police including:
- buildings and symbols of the government
- military and security forces
- judicial buildings such as courts
- police stations and checkpoints
Terror attacks have also targeted:
- international hotels
- embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic interests
- places of worship, such as mosques, shrines and churches
- shopping centres, banks, hospitals, markets (markaz) and bazaars
- humanitarian workers
- foreign aid agencies
- hikers
- schools
- public transport and transport infrastructure, including trains and airports
- religious sites and processions, especially during religious festivals
- demonstrations and political events
Terrorists may target places associated with foreigners or Westerners, including:
- tourist areas
- clubs, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets and other places foreigners tend to visit
- Western businesses and other Western symbols
- Western non-government organisations (NGOs)
- universities and international schools
- convention centres, outdoor sporting and recreation events
Times when attacks may occur
Militants may mount attacks in the days leading up to and on days of national or commemorative significance. These include:
- Pakistan National Day (23 March)
- the storming of the Red Mosque in Islamabad by government troops (10 July)
- Independence Day (14 August)
Diplomatic security measures
Due to the high threat of terror attack, Australian officials in Pakistan use enhanced security measures at all times. The Australian Government has a ‘no children at post’ policy for Islamabad.
The Australian Government has also advised staff to:
- limit restaurant use
- not linger in shopping areas
- be cautious when walking in Islamabad
For the same reasons, the British High Commission and US Embassy often restrict movements of their staff in Pakistan.
They often apply these restrictions at short notice. Areas put ‘out of bounds’ tend to include markets, shopping centres, restaurants and hotels.
Staying safe
Discuss security issues with tour providers before travelling.
Ask about safety from local business partners and universities before you travel to Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi for business or academic reasons. Take security precautions.
If, despite the risks, you travel to Pakistan, be very cautious and avoid:
- public gatherings
- crowded places
- places of worship
- places that foreigners tend to go
- other places terrorists tend to target
When you plan your activities receive updates on the level of security both at venues and your route to them.
- Wherever you go, have a clear exit plan in case there’s a security incident or attack.
- leave the area straight away if it’s safe to do so and avoid the affected area straight after the attack because of the risk of secondary attacks
- follow the advice of local authorities
Subscribe to this travel advice to stay up to date on new terror threats, and monitor:
Those websites will also contain updates on restrictions on movement that apply to their diplomatic staff.
Check flight status and airport operations before each of your flights.
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