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West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
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  #1  
Old 2 Jun 2016
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Pakistan Safety
Hey!

So I am travelling from Nepal to the UK and I intend to be in Pakistan for a week travelling through to Iran where I will meet a guide. I've had a number of people warning against any travel through Pakistan, particularly Balochistan. I understand that you are escorted most of the way though by police. Are the recommendations I am getting based on the dangers that have been around for quite a while or has Pakistan been more dangerous as of late. I am considering postponing the trip which would be a real ballache so any up to date advice I would really appreciate!

Cheers,

Luke
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  #2  
Old 2 Jun 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by allilr View Post
I am travelling from Nepal to the UK... I've had a number of people warning against any travel through Pakistan, particularly Balochistan.

...any up to date advice I would really appreciate!
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  #3  
Old 3 Jun 2016
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Pakistan Safety
Hello allir, we are currently in Pakistan and really enjoying it. The local people say it is save nowadays, especially compared with a few years ago. In the south/west you will be escorted by the military, in the north you can travel free most of the time. Overlanders travel trough Pakistan weekly, almost daily. I would suggest to spend more than a week here. The local bikers in Lahore are very hospitable and love to show you around and host you.


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  #4  
Old 8 Jun 2016
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We hope you find it better this time

Kind regards

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  #5  
Old 17 Jun 2016
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Hire Guide which has connections in Army
Piece of advise - Hire Guide which has connections in Army, and you can do from travel forums, tripadvisor etc.
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  #6  
Old 27 Jun 2016
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Hope you have reached a good solution
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  #7  
Old 15 Jul 2016
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1 week is too short, recommend you spend a minimum of 2 weeks in Pakistan, definitely don't miss the Karakorum highway and the sights on the way up there.


Quote:
Originally Posted by allilr View Post
I've had a number of people warning against any travel through Pakistan, particularly Balochistan.
Luke
Had these people with the warnings been to Pakistan?
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  #8  
Old 15 Aug 2016
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Im now in Islamabad, and come directly from the Iran boarder crossing Balochistan. You can do it you will be escorted but is a hard way! Good luck!
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  #9  
Old 23 Sep 2016
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If you can find a good driver who knows the roads from Taftan to Quetta or Lahore, and stick to day-time driving, you should be OK. Road safety is very poor in Pakistan and the hills at some parts, is notoriously dangerous for drivers who do not appreciate the steep gradient, and at night one may not see the various pot-holes or the animals that may appear.
As an alternative there are flights from Iran to Lahore. Definitely not something for people who suffer from fear of bad roads like me.
The good news is the drivers there are highly professional and know the road well. It is definitely and experience worth the time.
bring water and snacks which is good event, bring insect repellent which is needed as mosquitoes will bite you mercilessly if you are unprotected.
Also bring appropriate footwear. Tracking shoes are ideal.
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  #10  
Old 10 Nov 2016
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NOC (no objection certificate) in Pakistan
Hi all,

I am currently in Tehran, planing to enter Pakistan in around 2 or 3 weeks. I have my visa ready but I recently heard about the NOC.

I have read many different things about it but my conclusion is that for Pakistan you need it for the Swat Valley. Some people said you need to apply in Quetta, but others that you need it to enter Pakistan... but how do you apply in Quetta if you need it enter? I am so confused to be honest.

My question is about when do you need this document, how to apply for it. I know a few bikers more doing the same route that have the same question as me, they don't have a clue about this NOC either .

Thanks in advance!
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  #11  
Old 10 Nov 2016
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Originally Posted by daviddgz View Post
Hi all,

I am currently in Tehran, planing to enter Pakistan in around 2 or 3 weeks. I have my visa ready but I recently heard about the NOC.

I have read many different things about it but my conclusion is that for Pakistan you need it for the Swat Valley. Some people said you need to apply in Quetta, but others that you need it to enter Pakistan... but how do you apply in Quetta if you need it enter? I am so confused to be honest.

My question is about when do you need this document, how to apply for it. I know a few bikers more doing the same route that have the same question as me, they don't have a clue about this NOC either .

Thanks in advance!
I don't have the latest news, but usually you get an escort from the border to Quetta, where they want you to request a NOC to keep going towards Isalamabad/Lahore. Don't worry, they'll explain to you how to get it, because they want you to get the hell out of the area ASAP.

In any case, driving to Swat is probably a bad idea. There are many places that are quiet and welcoming in Pakistan, but the Swat valley isn't one of them (ever heard of operation black thunderstorm ?). Azad Kashmir, Baluchistan (except when escorted from/to the border) and all the FTAs are also best avoided.

Keep us posted on how it goes.

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  #12  
Old 20 Nov 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by daviddgz View Post
Hi all,

I am currently in Tehran, planing to enter Pakistan in around 2 or 3 weeks. I have my visa ready but I recently heard about the NOC.

I have read many different things about it but my conclusion is that for Pakistan you need it for the Swat Valley. Some people said you need to apply in Quetta, but others that you need it to enter Pakistan... but how do you apply in Quetta if you need it enter? I am so confused to be honest.

My question is about when do you need this document, how to apply for it. I know a few bikers more doing the same route that have the same question as me, they don't have a clue about this NOC either .

Thanks in advance!
You will have it apply for it once you reach Pakistani border. As my friend mentioned above in his post, They will guide you about the whole procedure. I can get contact numbers of officers on border for you, that might ease your problem.
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  #13  
Old 24 Nov 2016
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World's best kept secret, Pakistan
Hi guys,
Pakistan is doing fine with 180 million like me living here and raising their children pretty decently.
You would be welcomed here and you'll discover for yourself the world's best kept secret, Pakistan. Although serious problems do exist near the Afghan border but still over here drivers are more at risk due to traffic than anything else.
A piece of advice, avoid being too adventurous and follow the advice of the escorts.
You will be guided about the paperwork by the excorts and the hotels tourists usually stay like Blue Star in Quetta. Requirements keep changing and the concerned people are most well informed.
Motorcyclists Association of Pakistan has chapters accross the country and you are welcome to keep in touch.
Have a great trip
Cheers
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