Overall Crime and Safety Situation
The U.S Department of State continues to warn U.S. Citizens to defer non-essential travel to Pakistan. al-Qa’ida and Taliban elements continue to operate inside Pakistan, particularly along the porous Afghan border region. Bombings and assassinations continue to occur throughout the country. Persons considering traveling anywhere within Pakistan are encouraged to read the U.S Department of State’s Travel Alert, which is available electronically at travel.state.gov. This website contains information regarding travel preparedness, health matters, and safety and security issues.
Recent articles in the Economist and Time magazines describe Pakistan as the most dangerous place in the world. Karachi has seen recurring violence characterized by random bombings and shootings as well as a large number of incidents of kidnappings for ransom. American citizens, U.S interests, and other Westerners are at risk of becoming targets of violence. The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi has been the target of several major terrorist attacks in recent years. The most recent was a vehicle bomb on March 2, 2006 that killed four people, including two Consulate employees and wounded many others. Due to the assassination of former Prime Minister Bhutto on December 27, 2007, and the riots that took place in Sindh Province following the attack, the below statistics will show a substantial increase in attacks over the previous year. It is not clear at this time who was behind the assassination but it is evident that the attack has caused stability in Sindh to be uncertain at best and chaotic at worst.
Crime and safety in Karachi are major concerns and it is important for visitors to maintain a heightened level of security awareness at all times. Karachi is the ninth largest city in the world and is the business capital of Pakistan with a population of approximately 18 million.
Statistics
The following crime statistics for Karachi are based on reporting by the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) for calendar year 2007. The CPLC is a non-governmental organization (partially funded by the Sindh Government, but most funds come from the business community) working to assist law enforcement, which maintains crime statistics as well as a criminal database. It is difficult to estimate the actual number of cases not reported to the CPLC.
According to CPLC’s statistics for 2006, there were a total of 5,081 reported vehicle thefts in Karachi with an average of 423 stolen per month. For 2007 this number increased slightly to 5,120 with an average of 426 per month. Unlike many other crimes in Karachi, most vehicle thefts are actually reported in hopes that the vehicles will be recovered. Police recovered approximately 47 percent of all reported stolen vehicles in 2007.
CPLC murder statistics for 2006 indicate there were a total of 278 terrorist killings, i.e., murders associated with terrorist acts or groups. This number increased in 2007 to 344 terrorist killings, which is an increase of 24 percent.
There were a total of 54,157 incidents of cell phone larceny reported in 2006. This number increased to 99,065 for 2007, which is an increase of 83 percent. A snatching is defined when the phone is taken directly from the person.
Political Violence
Terrorism
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. Karachi continued to be the site of numerous incidents of terrorist, sectarian, ethnic, political and criminal violence during 2007. It is often difficult to determine who is responsible for specific incidents of violence. A variety of groups, including extremist religious elements from the Sunni and Shia sects and criminal elements from within local political organizations, appear to be involved in organizing and committing violent acts in the city. On October 19, 2007, two suicide bombers attacked former Prime Minister (PM) Benazir Bhutto upon her return to Karachi. About 140 persons were killed and over 400 wounded by the attack. People living in Karachi are aware of the fact that acts of violence and terrorism are possible at any time without warning or apparent provocation. The Karachi police have provided excellent protection to the U.S. consulate General facility and staff, and can be expected to respond positively to the needs of the official U.S. community.
Civil Unrest
Political violence and civil unrest are common and unpredictable in Karachi. Anti-government demonstrations located throughout the residential and commercial areas of the city can erupt at any time and quickly evolve into violent mobs. At times, civil unrest has been aimed against the U.S. Government and U.S. interests. Past demonstrations have turned violent, and resulted in attacks against Western fast-food restaurants and the burning of U.S. flags and effigies. Police response to demonstrations is appropriate. Protests against the U.S. Government are kept away from official U.S. facilities and are monitored by local law enforcement. Americans in Karachi should avoid demonstrations, large crowds, and public gatherings that appear to be political in nature. Travelers should stay informed of the security situation throughout Pakistan and in Karachi through the media and by monitoring the following U.S. Government web sites: http://islamabad.usembassy.gov or http://karachi.consulate.gov.
Post-Specific Concerns
Violence
Karachi and surrounding areas have experienced protracted political and sectarian violence that poses a potential danger to American travelers. Family, political and gang-related feuds are violent and occur regularly throughout the city. There have been numerous instances of terrorist acts committed in Karachi. There have been numerous incidents directly targeting either the U.S. Consulate General or American interests in Karachi. The most recent was the March 2, 2006 vehicle suicide bomb outside the U.S. Consulate General that killed four, including 2 Consulate employees, and wounded many others. In an attack linked to al-Qai’da, a VBIED detonated in front of the Consulate June 14, 2002, killing 11 and seriously damaging the building as well as the Marriott Hotel next door. Two U.S. Consulate American employees were assassinated on their way to work on March 8, 1995. A Consulate employee was shot and killed on his way to work in August, 1995.
Kidnappings
CPLC statistics for 2007 are listed here, but most kidnappings for ransom go unreported. During 2006, CPLC statistics show there were 28 cases of kidnappings reported, but 2007 shows the number of reported cases increased 132 percent to 65. These 65 cases were identified as “kidnapping for ransom”, of which 22 cases were solved.
Traffic
Vehicles in Karachi are right-hand drive and traffic moves on the left side of the road. Driving in the city is chaotic and undisciplined in nature. Poorly trained and unskilled drivers do not understand the concept of staying in lanes, turning etiquette, and use of mirrors. Driving outside the city at night is unsafe. Traffic is heavy on weekdays, especially during normal commuting hours. Aside from the main arteries through the city, roads are narrow, poorly lit in many areas, and not well marked or maintained. Vehicle accidents are common and motorists have been known to become violent when involved in routine collisions. Police generally do not respond to vehicle accidents and there are no emergency medical response services. If an individual involved in a motor accident is in fear of his/her personal safety, he/she may depart the area, but should proceed immediately to the nearest police station to report the incident. It is recommended to avoid all public transportation. For security reasons, U.S. Consulate General employees are prohibited from using buses, taxis, or rickshaws. During the riots following ex-PM Bhutto’s assassination, at least 165 train stations, 118 train engines, and hundreds of buses were burned in Sindh Province effectively making travel more difficult.
Police Response
The police services in Pakistan are below the professional standards of the U.S. A lack of training, resources, and low salaries all contribute to the problem. The Karachi Police do not respond to emergencies in many of the more violent areas of the city. During the riots after Bhutto’s assassination, the police did not respond to most incidents of rioting. Banks, vehicles, and businesses were all looted and set on fire. It is imperative that hostile and volatile areas of Karachi be avoided. The emergency number for the Karachi Police is 15.
If arrested or detained by police, individuals are advised to not make any admissions, statements or to sign documents. Inform the authorities of your status as a U.S citizen and advise them to contact the Consular Affairs Section at the U.S. Consulate immediately at (92)(21)520-4200, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To report a crime many people have better results going through the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee at (92)(21)111-222-345.
Medical Emergencies
Hospitals
The Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi has excellent western standard medical care. The hospital may be reached at (92)(21)493-0051. There is no standard ambulance/emergency medical service in Karachi. Americans may find hospital care and cleanliness below U.S. standards. Medical facilities require pre-payment. The Aga Khan Hospital accepts credit cards, but most other health care facilities do not. Emergency medical care in Pakistan is only available in the major cities.
Health Precautions
Water is not potable in Karachi and sanitation in many restaurants is inadequate. Stomach illnesses are common and can be life-threatening. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the world Health organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int. Information is also available at travel.state.gov/travel.
Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
There are many areas that are recommended as off-limit areas in Karachi. Visitors are advised to not venture into any unknown, or unnecessary areas, especially after dark. Persons should maintain a high-level of situational awareness and caution at all times. Limit movements and always notify someone where you will be. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, it is recommended to:
· Keep a low profile and not to carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewelry;
· If possible, leave wallets or purses secured at home and carry only necessary cash and ID in a front pocket;
· Do not become time and place predictable, and do not set established patterns;
· Vary routes, times of departure, and arrival by as much as 30-45 minutes;
· Know primary and alternate routes to all destinations;
· Know locations and routes to the nearest police stations and hospitals;
· Avoid politically/religiously active areas of the city;
· Avoid the use of public transportation and taxis;
· Always possess a means of communication such as a cell phone or local calling cards;
· Know local emergency numbers, country codes, city codes, and dialing procedures;
· Leave an itinerary with a colleague or friend so your whereabouts are known.
· Avoid high risk areas, crowds, and civil disturbances.
Current travel alerts and additional information can be found at travel.state.gov.
Residential Security
Most major hotels in Karachi employ local security firms, which provide adequate security. Valuables should be kept locked in the room safe or kept at the front desk. However, there was a recent report of a large amount of money being taken from one of the room safes from a major hotel chain. Fire fighting resources are severely lacking and it is advised you stay on a lower floor in a hotel. Take personal responsibility for your fire evacuation plan from the hotel.
For Further Information
The U.S Consulate General in Karachi is located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road Karachi, Pakistan. U.S citizens visiting Karachi are advised to register with the U.S Consulate General and can obtain updated travel information by visiting http://karachi.usconsulate.gov/ . Routine public inquiries from American citizens about safety and security in Karachi should be directed to the Consular Section (American Citizen Services) of the U.S. Consulate General. The U.S Consulate General can be reached by calling (92) (21)520-4200, 24 hours/7 days a week. After working hours, calls will be passed to the Duty Officer.
OSAC Country Council
Karachi currently does not have an OSAC Country Council. For more information contact the Regional Security Officer in Karachi or the Overseas Security Advisory Council in Washington D.C at 571-345-2223. For more information on OSAC Country Council’s visit www.osac.gov. While there is currently no OSAC Country Council in Pakistan, the RSO will brief any and all U.S. and allied private sector personnel when requested. The Regional Security Office in Karachi can be contacted at telephone: (92(21)520-4200, Fax: (92) (21) 520-4370. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad can be reached at (92) (51)208-0000.
