Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/PAKISTAN.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 9KB | 171 lines

Pakistan - Consular Information Sheet
August 3, 1994

Country Description:  Pakistan is a developing country with a parliamentary
democracy.  Tourist facilities are available in the principal population
centers of the country.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  The visa must be
obtained from a Pakistani Embassy or Consulate before arrival at the point
of entry.  Information on entry requirements can be obtained from the
Embassy of Pakistan, 2315 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.,
20008, telephone [phone].  Travelers may also contact one of the
Consulates General of Pakistan, located at 12 East 65th St., New York, NY
10021, telephone [phone], and 18050 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100, Los
Angeles, CA 90010, [phone].

Areas of Instability:  Rallies, demonstrations and processions occur from
time to time throughout Pakistan on very short notice, and have occasionally
taken on an anti-American or anti-Western character.  The potential exists
for U.S. citizens to be injured during such events.  During the Islamic
religious observances of Ramadan and Moharram sectarian rivalry and violence
often increase.

Travel in the Northwest Frontier Province:  Because of dangerous security
conditions affecting foreigners, particularly Americans, in the Khyber
Agency, U.S. government officials and their dependents are currently
prohibited from traveling overland through the tribal areas to the Khyber
Pass.  Substantial areas within the Northwest Frontier are designated tribal
areas, outside the normal jurisdiction of government law enforcement
authorities.  Travel within these areas is particularly hazardous.  Tribal
feuds or conflicts between smuggling factions may involve foreigners.  Even
in the settled areas, ethnic, political, or sectarian violence may target
foreigners.  Car hijackings and the abduction of foreigners are occasionally
reported from the tribal areas.  If visitors must enter the tribal areas, a
permit must be obtained from the Home Department, which may require that an
armed escort accompany the visitor.

Travel in  Sindh Province:  In the areas of Karachi and Hyderabad, there
have been recurring outbreaks of ethnic and sectarian violence which have
been characterized by random bombings, shootings and mass demonstrations.
Recent incidents have resulted in several deaths and the imposition of
curfews.  There have also been numerous incidents of kidnapping for ransom.
In rural Sindh Province, the security situation is hazardous, especially in
regard to overland travel.  Foreigners have occasionally been kidnapped, and
in one incident, the foreign kidnap victim was killed in a subsequent
gunfight between police and bandits.  The Pakistan government has
recommended that travelers limit their movements in Sindh Province to the
city of Karachi.  If visitors must go into the interior of Sindh Province,
the Pakistan government requests that travelers inform police authorities
well in advance of the trip so that necessary police security arrangements
can be made.

Travel in Baluchistan Province:  The province of Baluchistan, which borders
both Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for cross-border smuggling.  Armed
battles between clans are frequent.  Due to a limited provincial police
presence, travelers wishing to visit the interior of Baluchistan should
consult with the province's Home Secretary; advance permission from
provincial authorities is required for travel into some areas.  While
quieter than the interior, Quetta, the provincial capital, has experienced
serious ethnic violence which has led to the imposition of curfews.

Medical Facilities:  Adequate medical care is available in major cities in
Pakistan, but may be limited in rural areas.  U.S. medical insurance is not
always valid outside the United States.  Doctors and hospitals often expect
immediate payment in cash for treatment.  Supplemental health insurance
which specifically covers overseas treatment has proven useful.  Additional
information on health problems can be obtained from the Centers for Disease
Control's international travelers' hotline at [phone].

Information on Crime:  In Karachi, armed robberies are common, and drivers
resisting the theft of their motor vehicles are often shot.  In addition,
petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common throughout
Pakistan.  The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported
immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security
and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of
State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South
Asia."  They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal
drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
of several years with heavy fines.  Legislation passed in 1994 makes
trafficking offenses punishable by death.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad
or the Consulates General in Karachi, Lahore or Peshawar may obtain updated
information on travel and security in Pakistan.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in Islamabad, Diplomatic
Enclave, Ramna 5, telephone - 826 161.  The Consular Section is located
separately in the USAID building, 18 Sixth Avenue, Ramna 5.  In Karachi, the
Consulate General is located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road, telephone - 568-
5170.  In Lahore, the U.S. Consulate General is located on Sharah-E-Abdul
Hamid Bin Badees (50 Empress Road), New Simla Hills, telephone - 636-5530.
In Peshawar, the U.S. Consulate is located at 11 Hospital Road, Peshawar
Cantonment, telephone - 279-801, 279-802, 279-803.

No. 94-149

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 15, 1993, to add the
address of the Pakistani Consulate General in Los Angeles; additional
information on potential violence; a section on travel in Baluchistan
province, and new legislation concerning punishment for drug trafficking.

Pakistan - Public Announcement
November 14, 1994

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release

The U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan released the following announcement
on November 14:

In the wake of the November 10 assassination of the MQM (HAQIQI) deputy
leader, there has been violence in many parts of the city, particularly in
Jacob Lines, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, Orangi, Malir,
Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, and Gulshan-Iqbal.  In addition, some businesses
remain closed and a general transportation strike has been called.  Various
murders have been reported throughout Karachi, and it is not clear if the
motives are political or criminal.  MQM (HAQIQI) has called for a 'day of
protest' (or "Black Day") on Tuesday, November 15, to mourn the death of
their deputy leader and to protest alleged "American/Indian designs in the
region."

The American Consulate urges all American citizens to exercise greater than
usual caution, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from affected parts of
the city.  Large crowds or gatherings should also be avoided, as violence
can be quickly sparked.  The U.S. Consulate General will be open for
business on Tuesday, November 15.

No. 94-pak


----------------------------------------------
Pakistan - Public Announcement
November 8, 1994

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release

On November 6, the U.S. Embassy  in Islamabad provided the following
information on civil unrest in the Malakand Division (including the Swat
District) in northern Pakistan:

"Since November 2, a militant group campaigning for the imposition of Sharia
(Islamic) law has occupied numerous towns and at least one airport.  Roads
have been blocked, many hostages taken and several killed.

Police and paramilitary moves against the unrest have begun, and a few towns
seized earlier by the militants are reported to be in government hands.
However, the unrest has spread rapidly, and numerous towns in Swat and
Malakand are known to be under seige or occupied by militant forces.

All U.S. citizens in or planning to enter Pakistan are urged to follow local
media reports and contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or U.S. Consulates
in Peshawar, Lahore, or Karachi before considering travel to Swat or
Malakand."

Additional information may be found in the Department of State's Consular
Information Sheet for Pakistan.

No. 94-pa1