Pakistan is a beautiful country with rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. But like any destination, ensuring your health and safety on your visit is important. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay healthy and safe during your travels in Pakistan.
Health Tips for Travelers Visiting Pakistan
1. Stay Hydrated and Eat Safely
The heat in Pakistan can be intense, especially in the summer months. It’s easy to get dehydrated if you’re not careful. Always carry a water bottle with you, and stick to drinking bottled or boiled water to avoid any water-borne illnesses. Tap water in most places is not safe to drink.
Eating food from street vendors can be tempting because it’s often delicious and affordable. However, be careful about where you eat. Look for places that have a high turnover of customers, which usually means the food is fresh. Also, avoid raw food like salads, as they might be washed in unsafe water.
2. Vaccinations
It’s always better to be prepared. Before traveling to Pakistan, make sure you’re up to date on routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and tetanus. The following vaccines are also recommended for Pakistan:
- Hepatitis A: This can be spread through contaminated food or water.
- Typhoid: Especially important if you plan on visiting smaller cities or rural areas where sanitation may not be as well-maintained.
- Cholera: Recommended if you’ll be visiting areas with poor sanitation.
- Rabies: Consider this if you plan on doing outdoor activities like hiking or if you’ll be in remote areas where you might encounter wild animals.
- Hepatitis B: This is passed through bodily fluids, so it’s recommended if you plan to stay long-term or have any medical procedures.
3. Avoid Insect Bites
Malaria and dengue fever are present in Pakistan, especially during the monsoon season. Malaria is more common in rural areas, while dengue can be found in cities. Here are some ways to protect yourself:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially in the evenings.
- Sleep under a mosquito net if staying in rural areas or basic accommodations.
4. Sun Protection
The sun in Pakistan can be strong, especially in the southern regions. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply it regularly, especially if you’re out exploring the countryside or historical sites all day. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea to shield yourself from the sun.
Essential Safety Tips
1. Stay Updated on Current Events
Pakistan has made great efforts to improve safety for visitors, but there are still ongoing political tensions and occasional unrest in certain regions. It’s important to stay informed during your visit. Check local news or consult your country’s embassy for the latest travel advisories before visiting a specific area, especially the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region or the borders with Afghanistan and India.
2. Avoid Dangerous Locations
There are certain areas in Pakistan that are better off avoided. While the vast majority of the country is safe to travel in, some regions can be unpredictable. Stay away from the tribal areas and provinces near the Afghan border unless absolutely necessary.
Ask locals about security when visiting less touristy regions. They are usually the best people to advise you on which areas are safe to visit and which areas to avoid. Cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are quite safe in tourist zones, but it’s still a good idea to exercise caution.
3. Blend In and Dress Modestly
Pakistan is a conservative country, and respecting local customs will go a long way in making you feel more comfortable, especially in rural or remote areas. Men should avoid wearing shorts, while women should avoid wearing sleeveless tops. In more conservative areas, women may want to cover their heads with a scarf.
Try not to draw too much attention to yourself. Pakistanis are generally friendly and welcoming, but it’s still a good idea to keep a low profile, especially in rural locations.
4. Transportation Safety
Roads in Pakistan can be chaotic, especially in big cities. Traffic rules are followed loosely, and road conditions in rural areas might not always be great. If you’re planning to drive, exercise caution and be aware that driving in Pakistan can be stressful, even for experienced drivers.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Careem are safer options for tourists. If you’re using public transportation, such as buses or trains, keep your belongings close to you and avoid traveling at night if possible.
Emergency Contact Numbers
1. How to Dial Emergency Numbers
If you find yourself in an emergency, it’s helpful to know the local numbers to call. Here’s a list of the most important emergency contact numbers in Pakistan:
- Police: 15
- Ambulance: 115
- Fire service: 16
It’s also a good idea to have the contact number of your country’s embassy in Pakistan saved in your phone.
2. Medical Assistance
If you need medical attention during your trip, larger cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have good hospitals and medical facilities. Many doctors also speak English. In smaller cities or rural areas, medical facilities can be limited, so having travel insurance that covers evacuation is a smart idea.
Common hospitals in major cities for tourists:
- Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi): +92 21 34930051
- Shifa International Hospital (Islamabad): +92 51 8464646
- Services Hospital (Lahore): +92 42 99203402
Travel insurance is a must. Before you even get on the plane, make sure your insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Staying Safe in Urban Areas
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
In cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, it’s essential to be smart and cautious. Avoid being out alone late at night, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, so it’s a good idea to wear a money belt or keep valuables tucked inside your clothes.
Be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs. If possible, use one inside a bank or hotel rather than one on the street. It’s also smart to carry a small amount of cash with you and leave the bulk of your money and credit cards in a secure place, like a hotel safe.
2. Travel in Groups
Solo travel in Pakistan can be great, but for added safety, it’s always a good idea to travel with others when visiting less touristy areas or rural regions. Pakistanis are welcoming, and it’s not uncommon to be invited to homes for tea or meals, but stay cautious and trust your instincts.
3. Internet and Phone Safety
Your mobile phone can be your lifeline for safety. Make sure you have a local SIM card so you can stay connected. Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, and Zong are the main providers, and their SIM cards are easy to get as soon as you land in Pakistan. Having a reliable internet connection will help you stay up to date with important information, local events, and areas to avoid.
WhatsApp is widely used, and it’s a convenient way to stay in touch with people you meet.
Staying Safe in Rural Areas
1. Let People Know Where You Are
If you’re heading into rural Pakistan, especially if you’re trekking in the mountains, make sure someone knows where you’re going. Notify your guesthouse or hotel, or leave word with local authorities. In the northern areas like Gilgit-Baltistan or Swat, the terrain can be difficult and cell reception can be limited, so it’s important to have a backup plan in case things go wrong.
2. Pack Essentials for Remote Travel
In rural areas, medical help and basic supplies can be far away. It’s a good idea to carry a first aid kit with bandages, antibiotics, and any medications you might need. Don’t rely on local supplies, as they may not always be available in remote areas.
It’s also a good idea to carry extra food and water, especially if you’re going on long hikes or staying in villages where shops or restaurants might not be nearby.
3. Weather and Terrain Precautions
The mountains in northern Pakistan are stunning, but the weather and high altitude can be challenging. Watch for signs of altitude sickness and take all necessary precautions against cold weather if you’re trekking or camping in areas like the Karakoram or Himalayas. Pack layers, and make sure your shoes are appropriate for hiking.
If you’re traveling in the desert areas of Balochistan or Sindh, be prepared for extreme heat and sudden changes in temperature. Always check the weather forecast before setting out on any long trips to avoid getting stranded.
Conclusion
Pakistan is an incredible country to explore, but staying healthy and safe requires a little planning. Stick to drinking clean water, get the right vaccinations, and stay aware of local events and safety guidelines. By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a memorable journey through one of the most beautiful and hospitable countries in the world!
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