I've been given the opportunity to work in Pakistan

A very expensive risk consultancy firm that works for insurers says the following about Pakistan:

Evacuation Risk Summary

A weak government combined with growing militancy, persistent political killings and sectarian violence contribute to a high level of instability. Tensions between the Pakistani government/military and the US also exacerbate this instability and increase the potential for a deterioration of the security situation. Long-term tensions with India also have the capacity to affect the security environment.

Factors affecting evacuation from Pakistan include the likely restriction of movement by state security forces. The Pakistani intelligence and security bodies are extremely suspicious of the movements and activities of foreigners in the country. No Objection Certificates are likely to be required for any movement from permanent locations, and the police may prevent movement. Evacuation by air from an international airport remains the most likely option.

Movement to some international safe havens will require the early co-ordination of visas. Most nationals require a visa for entry into India; Dubai (UAE) is more flexible in its regulations for an air move. For overland evacuation, the only realistic option is to cross into India. The telecommunications infrastructure is vulnerable to state control: purchase of local SIM cards by foreigners is carefully controlled, while roaming services are not always reliable.

Triggers to influence a move up to the next Alert State could include:

  • A change in militant tactics towards targeting foreign nationals for kidnap in major cities such as Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.
  • Successful terrorist attacks targeting business-class hotels frequented by foreigners in major cities.
  • Significant and widespread political or sectarian unrest that the security forces are unable or unwilling to control.
  • Significant movement of troops by either Pakistan or India in the vicinity of the Line of Control, indicating an escalation in military-diplomatic tension, or an impending commencement of hostilities.
TRAVEL RISK SUMMARY

There is a high risk of terrorism in Pakistan. Foreigners have been targeted in attacks, including in the capital Islamabad, while regular militant operations against government and security force targets pose a significant indirect risk nationwide. Fighting between tribal militias, insurgents and the security forces has destabilised large parts of the country, particularly border areas with Afghanistan. Crime rates are particularly high in Karachi, Hyderabad (both Sindh province) and rural areas of Sindh; there are also high levels of banditry in rural Sindh. The commercial centres of other main cities are generally safe from all but petty crime, such as pickpocketing, until late at night. Sectarian tensions between Shia and Sunni Muslim communities can result in sporadic bomb attacks and rioting, particularly in Quetta (Baluchistan), Lahore (Punjab province) and Karachi. Anti-government protests are common, many of which descend into violence or are extremely disruptive; these are usually contained swiftly by the security forces.

Anti-US sentiments have been heightened by a broader deterioration in the bilateral relationship, with anti-US protests increasing notably due to several high-profile incidents in 2011, including the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden in a cross-border operation by US special forces from neighbouring Afghanistan.
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  • Travel to Pakistan is possible with stringent security precautions.
  • Avoid all travel to Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and border areas with Afghanistan because of the direct risks to foreigners posed by military operations, sectarian violence and Islamist militancy.
  • Avoid all travel to Dera Bugti and Kohlu districts of Baluchistan, and Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • Travel to all other areas of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be for essential purposes only due to the risks posed by military operations and insurgency. If travel to Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is essential, seek expert advice and professional security support prior to deployment.
  • Travel to rural Sindh should be for essential purposes only due to the risks posed by banditry and kidnapping. If travel to rural Sindh is essential, seek expert advice and professional security support prior to deployment. Be aware that a government permit and/or armed escort may be required in some areas.
  • Travel to other areas of Pakistan is possible with stringent security precautions, though travellers should be aware that short, intense bouts of social unrest, sectarian violence or terrorist attacks may require that travel to, and movement within, the country be restricted with little warning. Monitor events and be prepared to be flexible in your travel arrangements.
  • Ensure you are confident in your accommodation and transport arrangements, are fully briefed on the prevailing threats prior to deployment in Pakistan, and that you know what to do in the event of a major security incident or medical emergency.
  • Prearrange to be met on arrival at the airport by a hotel representative or trusted local colleague.
  • Register with your embassy and all relevant warden networks; ensure you receive regular updates prior to and during your stay.
  • There is a significant risk of terrorist attack by Islamist militants in Pakistan. Foreigners, in particular Westerners, may be directly targeted. Likely targets include government and military personnel, Shia Muslim and Christian religious gatherings, densely populated unsecured areas such as markets, Western embassies, and places where Westerners and the Pakistani elite are known to congregate. Maintain awareness at all times, minimise your exposure to likely targets and report suspicious behaviour to the authorities.
  • Rates of crime are high in some areas; take stringent security precautions to mitigate the risk of street and violent crime.
  • Avoid demonstrations and rallies because of a credible risk of security incidents.
  • Public transport is not suitable for business travellers. Taxis are a suitable means of transport in some cities; seek advice on modes of transport prior to travel.
  • Driving standards are poor; do not self-drive unless very familiar with local conditions. Beyond major urban areas, the quality of roads is variable, the emergency services are negligible, and banditry represents a significant risk in some areas. Personnel should only undertake road travel outside urban areas with stringent journey planning and management. Travellers should be confident in their driver and vehicle, and carry a full medical kit, spares, and adequate communications equipment at all times.
  • Dress conservatively, maintain a low profile, and respect cultural and Islamic sensibilities.
  • Female travellers are advised to wear loose fitting clothing that covers the chest, shoulders, legs, and arms to the elbow and should carry a shawl in the event that it is necessary to cover the head. Women should avoid travelling unaccompanied after dark.
  • The above advice is not exhaustive; seek itinerary- and profile-specific advice prior to travel in Pakistan.
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If it's banking related then you will most likely be in Karachi. Not saying the place is perfect, but it's a lot safer than working on the border.

Security will most likely be provided, and as already mentioned, you'd be escorted to and from the place of work - big businesses do not spare expense when it comes to employee security in higher risk area.

I'd jump at the chance for it. You get to experience (even if it is behind solid steel bars and 10ft concrete walls) a whole different culture. After all, it's only for a week. A week is nothing. If it was for a longer period, like a month or two, then I'd have more concerns, but a week will fly by.

Go for it.
 
Robbo said:
Really?

Do you know better than a "very expensive risk consultancy firm."

To the person who posted that, who are this firm?
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I know several places where a white man can obtain a sim card without quibble, and about a thousand which I don't know about. So yes, absolutely.

And I know extremely well how good the roaming is. They have a few networks to choose from. Had full bars pretty much all the time I've spent there.
 
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asim18 said:
Don't be ridiculous. I was merely stating that security is cheap in Pakistan. If you came to Stratford I'd recommend not wandering alone as well.
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Stratford-upon-Avon is a nice place:cool: In all seriousness, you’re going to have to rent / borrow a few Sikh Warriors from Punjab whilst you spend your time in Pakistan.
 
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The OP need to get some more facts about the conditions of the trip but from what has been posted I would give it a go its only a week. I spent 3 weeks in India and there are a fair few FCO warnings out there too but I had a great time and there ain't anyone whiter than me :)
 
Robbo said:
Really?

Do you know better than a "very expensive risk consultancy firm."

To the person who posted that, who are this firm?
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I imagine a load of people on the forum visit and have family there so its hardly surprising that they know the real Pakistan more than some so called expert security/risk company.
 
asim18 said:
Don't be ridiculous. I was merely stating that security is cheap in Pakistan. If you came to Stratford I'd recommend not wandering alone as well.
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So you'd feel safe without your AK47 guard around? Just hired him for fun?
 
They might NOT murder you..........

Perhaps you would be handcuffed to a radiator for the next 6 years and have someone like Terry Waite to talk to?

It that case the first option might NOT seem too bad?
 
asim18 said:
I know several places where a white man can obtain a sim card without quibble, and about a thousand which I don't know about. So yes, absolutely.

And I know extremely well how good the roaming is. They have a few networks to choose from. Had full bars pretty much all the time I've spent there.
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Could I, as a white guy, walk into a phone shop in a shopping centre in downtown Islamabad, and get one there? Nevermind that there are 'places' where you can get one - I imagine there are places where you can obtain an Mac-10 in under 30 seconds without too much quibble, and Osama Bin Laden managed to get himself a nice little compound - are SIM card regulated?

Anyway, the quote that made you stop reading was in the context of an evacuation situation and thus based off experiences of such an event. I don't imagine you have been in Pakistan in an evacuation situation.


Robbo said:
Really?

Do you know better than a "very expensive risk consultancy firm."

To the person who posted that, who are this firm?
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The company is the Control Risks Group, who have 34 offices around the world, 2,000 employees and an annual turnover of £100million+...
 
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