After Traveling to 90 Countries, Pakistan is Hands Down the Most Beautiful! However, many still hesitate to visit due to the negative perceptions surrounding Pakistan. One of the reasons I love traveling is to see for myself whether these perceptions hold any truth.
This article is based on a social media poll about what you want to know or are concerned about regarding Pakistan. Here’s a summary:
1. Is the Country at War?
Pakistan gained independence from Britain in 1947 and became the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 1956. Since the partition of Pakistan and India in 1947, the two nations have had a tense relationship, primarily due to the territorial dispute over Kashmir. India controls Jammu and Kashmir, while Pakistan administers Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, with both countries claiming the entire region. If you visit these areas, be mindful not to bring up this sensitive issue.
I personally experienced some anxiety when my Jakarta-Bangkok-Lahore flight was canceled because the airspace was closed due to heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following an incident on February 26, 2019. I had to take a much longer route via Jakarta-Doha-Lahore because planes weren’t allowed to fly over Indian airspace when landing in Pakistan, and vice versa.
2. Is the Country Poor?
In terms of GDP per capita, Pakistan ranks below Indonesia and India, but I never saw anyone sleeping on the streets or living in cardboard houses. The poverty of a country is something I’ve felt in places like Nepal, but not in Pakistan. I never encountered beggars or anyone aggressively trying to sell me something.
3. Is it Unsafe to Travel?
This depends on where you go, so thorough research is essential. Pakistan is vast, about the size of France. The western part of Pakistan borders Afghanistan, which is a volatile region, and sometimes the instability spills over. Additionally, the presence of extremist groups, which is a global issue, also exists in Pakistan (as it does in Indonesia).
So where should you go? If you look at a map of Pakistan, divide it into two. The right side, from Sindh province in the south to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) province in the north, is generally safe. The left side, particularly Balochistan province, should be avoided for now. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, caution is advised—it’s safe from Chitral eastward. This is the region where Malala, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is from. She stood up against the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education. So, you can imagine the atmosphere there.
My recommendation is to focus on visiting GB, as it has the most stunning landscapes and attracts the most local and foreign tourists. GB is incredibly safe, with a zero crime rate! My route was from Lahore to Islamabad, then flying to Skardu, and then exploring GB by car before returning to Islamabad. On the way back, I passed through KPK and even stayed overnight in Besham City, and thankfully, everything was fine.
4. Do You Need a Military Escort Everywhere?
Not at all! If you’re heading to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), you’ll notice a strong military presence. This is because the region borders India, China, and Afghanistan. Secondly, GB is still a disputed area between Pakistan and India. Thirdly, the military has significant influence across Pakistan—not only providing security but also running many businesses, from schools and hospitals to road construction and mobile networks.
As a foreign tourist entering GB, you must register at the airport or land border by filling out a form with your name, passport number, visa number, destination, and accommodation details. Don’t lose this form, as you’ll need it when leaving GB. When crossing district borders, there are checkpoints where you must report. Fortunately, my guide was smart—he had printed small slips with my information, which we handed over through the window without having to write in the big book—saving a lot of time!
5. Do Women Have to Wear a Hijab?
Not at all! Unlike Iran and Saudi Arabia, where women are required to dress modestly, Pakistan is much more relaxed! Most Pakistani women still wear traditional attire called shalwar kameez, consisting of long pants, a tunic blouse, and a scarf draped over their heads, often showing their hair. In big cities, women wear jeans and t-shirts. Out of respect, I always wore long pants and a shirt with sleeves. I only wore a long-sleeved top and scarf when entering mosques. Oh, and if you’re a man, please don’t wear shorts or tank tops out of respect for Pakistani men, who mostly wear traditional long tunics and pants. I’m personally against wearing local clothing when traveling—no matter how much you try to blend in, people will always know you’re not a local! So, don’t pretend just for the sake of social media photos! Haha!
6. Is the Visa Difficult to Obtain?
Although I applied for my visa at the Pakistan Embassy in Jakarta, Pakistan has now made it easier by offering e-visas to 179 countries and Visa on Arrival to 50 countries worldwide! What about Indonesian passport holders? We’re included too! Yay! Check it out at [Pakistan E-Visa](https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/). If you need more information, you can contact the Pakistan Embassy directly at [Pakistan Embassy Jakarta](http://www.pakembjakarta.org/).
7. Is Traveling in Pakistan Difficult?
Traveling in Pakistan isn’t for everyone, especially for family holidays with kids. It’s not about safety, but the facilities and infrastructure are still lacking. Power outages are common nationwide, internet is slow and often unavailable, many roads are in poor condition, and not everyone speaks English. Be aware that my Indonesian mobile provider didn’t work in Pakistan, and even the largest Indonesian bank’s debit card couldn’t withdraw cash from any ATM in Pakistan.
If you’re young, strong, and have plenty of time, feel free to use public transportation. I traveled alone and had only two weeks. Since I wanted to maximize my time in the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region, a road trip was the best option, so I used a private car and a fantastic local guide. If you need recommendations, feel free to contact me, but please don’t haggle too much, okay?
All the challenges will be worth it for the breathtaking scenery, the kindness of the people (which brought me to tears), and the fascinating culture and history!
Stay tuned for more on my blog!