Lahore safety

Hello fellow travelers!

My friend and I are travelling to a wedding in Lahore in early December for 1 week. Our families are really upset about this as they don't understand why we would take the chance with our safety.

I've always found travel warnings to be overblown. I've always had great experiences and never encountered real danger. My concern is that Pakistan may be an exception.

Is Lahore safe for foreigners?

Will our liberal pakistani friends wedding be a dangerous place to be?

We are 2 mid twenties white Canadians who have some Indian and middle eastern travel experience.

Any tips / advice is appreciated.

Thank you!

SB

Lahore is as safe for foreigners as it is for Paks.

You may happen to be in the wrong place at wrong time, but the odds are low.

Keep away from religious ceremonies- especially Shia!

Lahore has quite a number of thieves and con men praying on foreign tourists, often in cahoots wih the local police. That is something you really need to be aware of.

As for loonie bombers I really don't know more than you.

I've been in Pak three times, and don't think I'm on any gov't hit-list!

There are a lot of nutters in Pak, but they mainly spend their time killing Pakistani soldiers and civilians!

Certainly not as dangerous as rumors and news spread but:
1. don't forget you are there under islamic law (and you should know what this consists of)
2. you are a lady.
I know people who had a good time in modern Dubai and forgot they were under islamic laws. They learnt about laws a bit late. (Time is money - but can be even more than that)
I suppose the friend you are traveling with is a man. He will not need you. Would you be ready to go to Pakistan alone? Only YOU have the answer to this question and it helps you know to what extent you will need him over there the way you do not need him in Canada. (Maybe this is the chance to - really - know about your relationship) Am i right if i say: you are with a friend in a country where you should not be with a friend, but a brother, father or husband?

It's easy to be liberal outside Pakistan, and specially if you are from Pakistan, it's not only easy, it's enjoyable. I also have muslim friends: i saw them outside and inside. And moreover i do not think this is the point, cause if they are marrying they will not have much time for you while in Pakistan, certainly later.

I also think there are countless honest and respectful Pakistanis and i am longing to travel there. Alas the nutters can also use internet.
Since there has been a problem with my country people in Pakistan, i think i know what my gov't will do if i get into trouble there but i cannot speak for Canada. I also know what my family would do and cannot speak for yours.

The strange part about it, is that you are in Canada but in a very Indian sub-continent dilemma: the rampant culpability about what you are doing to your families. Sorry if i said something you did not want.

Don't worry, it is safe to visit Lahore as a foreigner. There are many travellers paying frequent visits to Lahore. Visiting your friends wedding ceremonies doesn't have any risks at all. You would have a lovely time in Lahore. Don't follow the rumors just be prepared for a warm-hearted welcome and expect the un-expected.

I lived in Pakistan for over a year 2010-11 and visited Lahore several times. Don't worry, you'll be fine - especially as you will be with local friends.

Do note however than Lahore is a huge city of 8 million people, akin to downtown Delhi in terms of traffic chaos, noise and pollution. If you want to take in the sights as well as enjoy the wedding festivities do some planing beforehand and tell your hosts what you'd like to see - I knew many westerners who visited Lahore and spent much of their visit stuck in traffic or basking in the air conditioned comforts of their hotel! Sunday mornings make for an excellent time to go sightseeing.

Hi there,

Lahore is more safe than New-york, Johannesburg, Rome and many other top tourist destinations. Please stop getting fooled by the media and experience the love of Lahore for yourself. (Even though Karachi is the best city of Pakistan hehehehe)

You will love Lahore, we have a saying here "He who did not experience Lahore in his lifetime, his birth is not worth mentioning" your friends should make you feel more welcome than your own country. Pakistani hospitality is unmatchable.

Have fun !!

Regards,

Omair

Let's put posters 2, 3 and 5 on a watch list for loony nutters.

OP- You have friends there. You're going to their wedding. Focus on that.

Lahore is the cultural capital of Pakistan. Stay away from Sufi events and Friday prayers and you'll have a ball. More so than in India, even, maybe.

2,3 and 5 have no idea because they have not been to Pakistan.However,Pakistan is one of the most tourists friendly countries in the world & there re lot of solo female travelers traveling around so no need to worry.

Oh I have been to Pakistan. Twice actually, first and last time!
There are many reasons why neighboring India gets 7-8 times as many tourists as Pakistan. Safety is certainly one.

I dont think SB should have a problem, unless you are desperate to get into trouble your self. It is not exactly the safest city in the world, thanks to our American friends but during my brief stay in Pakistan which was majorly in Islamabad and Lahore I experience no problems what so ever apart form a few stares here and there.

thnaks
Steve.

Im in Lahore right now - and have been in Pakistan almost a month. I've rarely experienced such friendly smiling people and it took me a while to realise that peope who said hello were not trying to sell me something (unlike in India!) I feel totally safe here - the OP should have quite a unique experience being the guests of the wedding party. Seize the opportunity - you wont regret it.

thanks for the update. getting there.