Pakistan

Always carry photo ID.  You may be asked to show it and you might be detained until you can show a valid ID.

Ramadan, also called Ramazan in Pakistan, is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to start around mid-February and finish around mid-March. During this time, do not: 

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car  
• play loud music or dance  
• swear in public  

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.  

You should also:  

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants  
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens  
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time  
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness  
• be aware that driving may be unpredictable, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk  
• be patient and show tolerance 

Pakistan is an Islamic country. Dress modestly, men and women should cover their shoulders and legs in public. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques and holy places, and in rural areas. 

Insulting or showing disrespect or contempt of religion, religious beliefs or anything considered holy (blasphemy) is illegal. Blasphemy has a broad definition in Pakistani law. It includes public and private comments in any form, including on social media.

There are significant criminal penalties, including the death penalty. Those accused of blasphemy are at significant risk of violence from the public. Both Muslims and religious minorities have been victims of blasphemy accusations and violence, including killings.  

Be sensitive to religious beliefs and behave appropriately.  

The death penalty can be issued for individuals convicted for crimes including, but not limited to, blasphemy, murder and rape.

Drinking alcohol is illegal for Muslims. Non-Muslims are allowed to drink in Pakistan, but you must get a licence from the authorities. It is also illegal for non-Muslims to supply alcohol to Muslims. Public drinking and drunkenness are illegal and can lead to detention. 

You can get a prison sentence for possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs. British nationals have been arrested on drug trafficking charges and have been detained for long periods while their case is in the Pakistan legal system.

Do not take photos at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure (including bridges and dams) or from aircraft. British nationals have been arrested on suspicion of ‘spying’. Check with officials if you’re not sure whether you can take a photo. 

You should not take photos of people without seeking prior permission.

Disputes over property ownership are common in Pakistan and have been known to become violent. British nationals have been victims of property scams such as:

• selling the same property to multiple buyers
• using forged ownership documents or fake land records
• illegal occupation of land or property (‘qabza’), particularly where owners live overseas
• selling plots in unapproved or fraudulent housing schemes
• impersonating the rightful owner to sell or transfer property
• using a Power of Attorney to take control of someone else’s property without their consent
• relatives selling inherited or jointly owned property without consent
• misuse of rental income or unauthorised management of property
• disputes arising from informal or verbal family agreements

The British High Commission cannot get involved in property disputes. Consular staff are not legally trained and cannot provide legal advice or intervene in private legal matters.

If you are involved in a property dispute, you should seek independent legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Pakistan.

If your case relates to property in Punjab, you may contact the Overseas Pakistani Cell at the Lahore High Court which deals with legal cases involving Pakistani nationals living overseas.

If you are concerned for your safety, you should contact the police. The British Government cannot provide private security. If you do wish to have private security, you should consider arranging this for yourself through a private security company.

Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal. There are occasional arrests, and there are negative attitudes to same-sex relationships throughout Pakistan which can sometimes result in violence. See more details from the Human Dignity Trust about the current application of the law.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

It is illegal for unmarried couples to live together in Pakistan. The law regarding unmarried people sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas. 

Check local forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and be aware of the risk of landslides and road blockages, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. Take extreme care crossing swollen rivers. 

Pakistan can experience flooding and landslides during monsoon season which is usually from late June to early October. The flooding can affect all provinces in Pakistan. Roads and bridges have been damaged or destroyed, affecting travel in many parts of the country. More information is available from the National Disaster Management Authority.

Earth tremors are common. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.