Security forces will be deployed across Pakistan and tensions are likely to be high as processions and places of worship have been targeted by militants in the past. The Islamic holy month of Muharram begins on 6 November the high point of which is the festival of Ashura on 15 November. There will be processions throughout the country between 14 and 16 November. Take particular care to avoid large crowds and gatherings during this period and where necessary seek advice on alternative travel routes. Staff at the British High Commission in Islamabad have been advised to keep movements around the city to a minimum on 15 November and to remain at home on 16 November.
We advise against all travel to:
the Federally Administered Tribal Areas
the districts of Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner and Lower Dir in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
the city of Peshawar and districts south of the city, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass
northern and western Balochistan
travel on the Karakoram Highway between Islamabad and Gilgit
We advise against all but essential travel to:
the Kalesh Valley, the Bamoboret Valley and Arandu District to the south and west of Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
the city of Quetta
the city of Nawabshah in Sindh Province, and areas of interior Sindh to the north of Nawabshah
Gilgit-Baltistan
There is a high threat from terrorism, kidnap and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan.