Urgent matter regarding a Caucasian American Female going to Islamabad

If you are going with your bf and not alone, I don't see what the problem is ! Presumptions, pre-conceived notions, paranoia are best left at home when traveling.

What does your bf say???? He seems like a likely source of info.

What kidnappings in Islamabad? Someone is feeding you BS. I was there in March and again for the last two weeks of April, and have visited several times since early 2009. ISB is currently vastly more peaceful than it was that year. Some complain about the 'blandness' of the city. Quetta or Peshawar, on the other hand, pose real security issues for visitors and locals.

If your BF is working there for the State Department or a large US-based company, he is probably bombarded daily with warnings of the potential dangers for US citizens out on the streets. He is probably also restricted in his movements by the terms of his contract. This gives US personnel a distorted experience of the country.

It's true that America is increasingly unpopular in Pakistan, and it's easy to understand why. But if you do go out, you won't notice any hostility. You'll encounter nothing but extreme politeness and good humour. And you should go out and experience some of the place while you're there.

Regarding your visa, the expiry date shown on it is the last day you can enter. You can then stay for 30 days from the date of entry. It's really, really hot there at this time of year.

Bonjour from Chitral,

Locals have no hostility towards Americans though I agree with emmeff, America's getting unpopular swiftly due to drone attacks and violating the sovereignty of the country but that's towards the state.

Islamabad well planned and a very secure part of Pakistan, with the presence of foreign missions, journalists, ex-pats and even travelers.

No worries at All.

Ciao,

Locals have no hostility towards US citizens or Westerners, They are only angry towards US Government. Islamabad is most peaceful these days.

safety isn't much of a concern in islamabad. your risk of being kidnapped is about 0. in my experiences in pakistan, people are very good at separating people from politics. just like the pakistani living in your neighborhood isn't a member of the taliban. as far as safety is concerned, the only real advice that might help would be to avoid places of extreme western influence, places where large numbers of westerners consistently gather, and places that might be military targets. so i would basically avoid high high high end hotels and large military posts or police stations. you won't experience any problems walking around and going shopping or out to eat. islamabad might not be the most exciting place in the world, but it's as safe as new york or london.

Jenn, Welcome to Pakistan,
I just came back after having diner with an American friend in a local restaurant at F-8/2, There is no any problem for Americans here, This is true that America is getting unpopular in Pakistan but that's only the American Government not the citizens, There are some places where you can say the people don't like the Americans at all, such as the tribal areas and some places of the KPK province so just avoid those places.

You have already got your visa so go ahead, your boyfriend will handle all the things in Pakistan, you don't need to worry about anything because you have someone who is citizen of Pakistan.

Happy Travel

Hi,

I don't think only the "people of tribal areas and some places of the KPK province" but due to recent Abbotabad's unilateral operation against some perceived high value target, even put the lawmakers into a thought about such operations in the future, so now this is not only confined to some the people of far-flung areas but even in the cities the public opinion is changing swiftly.

Almost all the Pakistanis and people with a conscience would reject, condemn and dislike such attacks on the sovereignty of an independent country.

But I'd reiterate the words from my previous post, that is against the US government, not the citizens.

Pakistanis are hospitable and friendly people.

Bon voyage au Pakistan..

Pakistan is amazing, and so are it's people. Providing you respect their culture, and don't get freaked out getting stared at by all the men there it will be fine... and you'll be with your 'husband', so really, will be no prob :)
Northern Pakistan is especially amazing, all the Karakouram and the Rumbur valley... Oh how I miss thee...

Peace

Sam (www.anyroad.net)