Should I Go to Pakistan??

[DC_Jessica]

The Bhutto riots kind of change my mind. If you were a journalist or had some other "higher" purpose for being there amidst bloodthirsty riots, then I might encourage it. Because you risk your life for your living. But as a leisure traveler, there are hundreds upon hundreds of countries you could visit with nothing like this and save Pakistan for a more stable time. I may seem encouraging to everything - but I was in Israel for over two weeks and I actually skipped the West Bank because I was there immediately after Bayt Khanun and also right after the US elections when EVERYONE was obsessed with Americans. It might be different as a South African, mish, but you get in some places like that and just being an outsider (not even necessarily just Western) is a target. And believe me, I blend, so it's not a matter of just "looking" different.

Also, my big travel fear is being kidnapped. God bless my government for being resolute, but I don't want to be another in a long string of deaths due to "non-negotiation" with terrorists...

[worldwidemike]

Yeah, the assassination has changed my mind.

Honestly, I think Pakistan is ready to implode into civil war. It is paying the price of trying to play both sides of the card, now. The country -- especially its growing middle class and political leaders -- need to make a decision: Do they want to move on the path towards mainstream western style countries like its neighbor India? Or do they want to become another Iran?

Iran, like Pakistan, is full of plenty of young people who want to live in a more open, secular country. However, those people live in fear of their rulers -- theocratic thugs whose actions are driven more by xenophobia and narrow mindedness than any true religious feeling.

So, I would recommend holding off, for awhile at least. You definitely don't want to be caught up in civil strife...and hanging out with the rich is certainly no guarantee of safety war breaks out between various segments of the society.

worldwidemike

[ajb3000]

Well I think I'm going to be going there around October 2008 and the situation hasn't put me off just yet.

[mish99]

well I hope everything has settled down by then. I know the invitation for me will always be open, so im not too worried about missing out.

[starsandstripes]

hey..

If it helps.. Im half pakistani and even though I live in London my dad lives in Lahore and Iv been to pakistan countless times. I asked him this morning on the phone if it would be safe right now.. he said absolutely.. oh and if your going to india go to Goa.. i really loved it there. and trrryyy to make it out to the northern areas in Pakistan.. unbelievably beautiful!

[expatben]

I wouldn't mind doing Pakistan (I want to go to India) but I am going to wait until this unrest is over.

[mish99]

Yeah I agree....I think it will be safe, but id rather be careful. I also know think thats its safer for Pakistanis than for tourists. Ive heard that Pakistan is beautiful, and I love being immersed in a different culture, so Pakistan is definitly on my list of places to see.