Pakistan 2008 Crime & Safety Report: Lahore

Crime & Safety

South / Central Asia - Pakistan
20 Feb 2008

Printer Friendly Email Article

Overall Crime and Safety Situation
 
Due to the on-going concerns about the possibility of terrorist activity directed against American citizens and interests, the U.S. Department of State continues with a policy of no adult dependents and publishes advice for citizens to defer non-essential travel to Pakistan. Continued U.S. military action in Afghanistan and Iraq and the perceived American assistance behind Pakistan’s efforts to curb Islamic fundamentalism have all contributed to continued anti-American sentiment in Pakistan. Pakistani military actions in Waziristan, Swat, and the FATA areas have resulted in terrorist actions against the Pakistani government in those areas and in the Punjab Consular District. Regular threat reporting suggests potential al-Qa'ida actions against Americans in-country. Overall, a moderate level of criminal activity occurs in the city and rarely affects American citizens. 

The roads in Lahore and between major cities are paved and adequate. However, in outlying areas they may be unpaved. There have been road accidents involving U.S. Consulate personnel, mostly due to Americans not being used to driving in the chaotic and undisciplined local conditions, such as driving on the left side of the road, cattle and donkey carts on the road, and poorly trained and skilled drivers who don’t understand staying in lanes, turning etiquette, and use of mirrors. Driving at night outside the city is unsafe and prohibited. Post policy includes an enforced "zero tolerance” for drinking and driving.

Political Violence
 
Over the past 30 years there has been a history of political and terrorist violence in Pakistan in general, as well as on-going sectarian violence. Lahore and the Punjab region have been comparatively safe for American citizens. No specific attacks against Americans have occurred in Lahore since 1979. However within this region there are sectarian extremist, militant, and designated foreign terrorist groups. Lahore and the Punjab remain at critical risk for terrorist attacks against American interests. There are significant terrorist threats to Americans and other foreign interests in Pakistan and specifically the Punjab Region from entities aligned or sympathetic to the Taliban and al-Qa'ida. All major western nations, including the U.S., have issued travel advisories recommending against non-essential travel to Pakistan. Organized crime is only a factor as it relates to assisting terrorism with weapons and money and is not currently a direct criminal threat to Americans. Spontaneous as well as announced demonstrations take place regularly and can involve hundreds to many thousands of people. The police generally maintain reliable control of the crowds but on occasion, exuberance turns into violence resulting in batons and gas being used on the crowds when they become hostile and aggressive.

Post Specific Concerns 

Pakistan is subject to earthquakes in the northern and western regions of the country. A severe earthquake occurred in 2005 resulting in the deaths of 87,000 persons. Additionally, the Indus River is prone to flooding after heavy rains especially during the monsoon season of July through September. 

Industrial safety does not meet U.S. standards and pollution from raw sewage and industrial waste in the water and air is widespread. Air pollution, exacerbated in the winter months is at levels which may cause severe irritation and discomfort to individuals suffering from asthma or other respiratory disorders.

Public transportation and driving in Pakistan can be extremely hazardous. U.S. Consulate policy prohibits the use of public transportation and taxis by Consulate personnel for various reasons. Vehicle maintenance, lack of driver skills, and general lack of road safety awareness by operators are all concerns. Kidnapping is not currently a problem for Americans or other westerners in Lahore but in the rural areas the threat for this type of crime is elevated for all personnel. 

Police Response

The police services in Pakistan are below the professional standards of the United States.  Lack of training, resources, and low salaries all contribute to the problem. Police response times in Lahore are usually within 15 minutes. The local police emergency number in Lahore is 15. If there is a language barrier, U.S. citizens can contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Consulate Lahore at 92-42-603-4000. U.S. citizens may also use this number if they are arrested or require assistance with the police.

Medical Emergencies
 
Emergency medical care in Pakistan is only available in major cities. Most Pakistani hospitals possess limited advanced life support equipment. Travelers should arrange for medical evacuation insurance personally or through their sponsoring agency prior to arriving in Pakistan. The following is the main hospital used by Consulate personnel: 

Doctor’s Hospital
152 - A-G-I Canal Bank, Jauhar Town
Phone - +92-42-530-2701 or +92-42-530-2709
Emergency Room - ext 3010/3090

Medical Evacuations - Air ambulance information is offered only as a guide and is not a recommendation of one service over another. Travelers should research this service on their own. 

1AA Ajr Ambulance Anywhere - U.S.
Phone- 727-934-3999
FAX -727-937-0276 

AEA I4ternational Alarm Centers - Singapore
Phone - 65-338-7800
FAX - 65-338-7611 

Travel Precautions

Situational awareness and common sense are imperative for your personal safety. Avoid the appearance of carrying large sums of money, dress conservatively, and do not draw attention to yourself. Avoid high-risk areas, crowds, and civil disturbances. When traveling, do not be time or place predictable and vary your routes and times. If you feel you are being followed or threatened in any way, go immediately to a safe place such as a government building or a police check point. Always maintain a low profile. Whether you are driving or riding as a passenger, use extreme caution and expect the unexpected. Drive defensively. Expect others to ignore signs and intersection stops and always wear your seat belt. 

Maintain personal security at hotels and guest houses. Do not leave valuables in your room. Fire fighting resources are severely lacking and it is advised you stay on a lower floors in a hotel. Many Americans and other westerners employ private security guard services for their residences and offices. They are less trained than those in the U.S. They have low quality employees due to low wages, little training, and limited supervision, as well as substandard equipment. The major contract security guard services in Pakistan are SMS, Wackenhut, Phoenix Security Services, and Ashkari Guards.

For further information
 
Embassy main switchboard - 011-92-282-0000
Regional Security Office - Islamabad, 011-92-51-208-2203
Regional Security Office - Lahore, 011-92-42-603-4000 

There is currently no OSAC in-country but the RSO briefs any and all U.S. and allied private sector personnel when requested.