Pakistan

Most people in Pakistan are poor and few receive formal education. Tensions between the Shia and the Sunni Muslims frequently break out into severe violence. Note where the religious worship places are and avoid them. In northern Pakistan armed tribesmen rule without much interference from the government. Guns and drugs are readily available in Islamabad, however it is deemed relatively safe for the traveller. There is the ongoing dispute with India over Jammu and Kashmir. Groups in certain areas of Pakistan do target foreigners. Karachi is one of the most violent cities, and extreme caution is needed if you plan to visit it. Deforestation; soil erosion; desertification. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that in Islamabad "All foreigners, including diplomats, may not move out of their city of residence without proper security and prior co-ordination with the law enforcement agency with regard to their movement or visit." On 20 September 2008, a large vehicle bomb explosion at the entrance to the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, destroying it and killing and injuring a number of people. The threat of attack on Westerners in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar is high. The advice is to avoid these areas unless it is essential. You should be aware that the use of the major international hotel chains frequented by Westerners should be avoided, as these currently pose a possible threat / target for terrorism. Areas where there are military or reported military activity should be avoided as should all border areas, with the exception of official crossing points, but high vigilance should be noted at crossing points. Due to the increase of car / suicide bombings avoid areas such as public places, demonstrations, crowds and areas of expat frequentation. Exercise particular caution when in the vicinity of key government buildings, tourist sites, public events, religious events and in public places including hotels, airports, shopping areas, and whilst on all forms of public transport. You should keep a photocopy of your passport separate form your original. Healthcare is basic and the country's infrastructure is generally underdeveloped. It is advisable to stay away from the border with Afghanistan. Harassment of women can become restrictive and oppressive. Weapons (assorted), ballistics danger areas, vehicle security, personal security, kidnappings, gunfire, legal / illegal checkpoints, armed robberies, general travel, navigation, off-road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, terrorism, sanitation / sterilisation, diseases, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures / customs, communications, civil disturbances / unrest, drought / floods / natural disasters. Pakistan is the world's third most dangerous place for women after Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a 2011 poll of more than 200 aid professionals, academics, health workers, policymakers, journalists and development specialists conducted by TrustLaw, legal news service of the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Cultural, tribal and religious practices are harmful to women, including acid attacks, child and forced marriage and punishment or retribution by stoning or other physical abuse. Some 90 per cent of women in Pakistan face domestic violence. More than 1,000 women are victims of so-called honour killings each year, according to Pakistan's Human Rights Commission.

Use bottled water only.

Flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and north-west; Balochistan plateau in west.

Mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north.

Frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August).