Female safety

Anwar is the name mentioned in LP but it has changed (can't remember the current name though). Most people were ordering chicken kahari or tikka, or shashliks made just outside the restaurant in the evening. Friendly staff and good atmosphere.

In general, safety has not been an issue for tourists during the troubles and you will be safe. The safety issues most people refer to are along the tribal belt and Afghan border and those places are a LONG way from the tourist areas. Take a look at a map and you will see how far away those places are. That said, like any destination (including where you live) you still need to use common sense.

I've been to Pakistan twice over the past four years amidst all sorts of political instability. I have never felt threatened by any of the political scene. They enjoy tourists as tourism in the backbone of their economy. The advice is to stay away from any large gatherings and be smart about your safety. There may be some delays when they have strikes, but usually they don't affect tourists.

Good advice here on this post.
Just be careful to dress properly, shalwar qamiz & duppata or scarf around neck.
The advice about the very friendly men who want to help should be heeded.
I would check with hotel in Pindi to about their policy of a single female.
I felt more comfortable in a guesthouse, but one poster is correct about having to get taxis as everything is spread out. I think Pindi would be more fun than Islamabad.
Your friend should find you a hotel near him/her as you may not feel comfortable walking around in Pindi alone. Also, you can ask at hotel if they have an English speaker to accompany when going out without your friend. It's no problem being an American. They don't hold us personally responsible for our governments decisions. but as a young woman of university age you do need to be careful who you befriend. Also, ask hotel to get you a taxi that they know is safe. I had a taxi driver try to run away with me once, and I had to jump out of the taxi in a neighborhood I didn't know. A new assistant manager at the guest house had made the mistake of getting a taxi he didn't know to take me to Apara market in the late afternoon & wait for me...so do be careful with taxis. Restaurant or stores can find a taxi for you that will be safe plus they can take down the license #. Respectable drivers are not offended by this.
No health risks except common practices of travel plus deet for mosquitos if weather is still warm...they especially love Westerners. :-) Food wasn't a problem but I'd buy bottle water.
Have fun & report back on your trip. It's always good to hear from women travellers & it would be especially nice to hear from younger women who are courageous. It's the young people of all countries who will solves the future difficulties with understanding, appreciation and respect for all cultures. Do I sound like your mother? haha
Beck who posts here was one of the first people I spoke with about Pakistan in 2004. I think she lives in Pakistan now so she must have loved it!

Cheers.
SB
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Another thought is to have the hotel or guest house send a driver for your first arrival. It will be less overwelmhing after a long flight and jet lag. They will be there with your name on a placard. This is especially true for night arrival. It may cost a bit more for the driver but it is money well spent.

SB