Travel Risk Assessment: Pakistan #

Prepared for Christian Ministers and Missionaries

General Religious Landscape #

Pakistan is an Islamic Republic where approximately 95% of the population adheres to Islam. Religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and Ahmadis, make up about 5% of the population. Christians represent an estimated 1.4 to 1.8% of the national demographic, primarily in Punjab province.

Views Toward Christianity #

Christians face institutional discrimination and societal hostility. Blasphemy laws are frequently misused, leading to imprisonment, lynchings, and forced conversions. Evangelism is illegal and dangerous. Christian women are especially vulnerable to abductions and forced marriages.

Comparison with U.S. Living #

Aspect	United States	Pakistan
Religious Freedom	Constitutionally protected	Highly restricted for minorities
Rule of Law	Robust due process	Weak legal protections for minorities
Healthcare Access	Broad coverage	Limited access, esp. rural areas
Infrastructure	Modern and regulated	Unreliable, underfunded
Social Mobility	High	Restricted for minorities

#

General Risk Level #

High to Extreme for Christian missionaries.

Recommended Safety Measures #

• Avoid public preaching or distribution of Christian materials.
• Use encrypted communication apps (Signal, ProtonMail).
• Travel with trusted local contacts and translators.
• Register with the U.S. State Department (STEP program).
• Dress conservatively in accordance with Islamic norms.

Emergency Contacts:
U.S. Embassy Islamabad: +92-51-201-4000
Police: 15 | Fire: 16 | Ambulance: 115

Recent Incidents (Past 12 Months) #

• May 2025: Nasir Masih lynched over blasphemy accusation.
• March 2025: Waqas Masih assaulted for refusing conversion.
• January 2025: Suleman Masih murdered in a religiously motivated attack.
• Over 20 Christians remain imprisoned under blasphemy laws.

U.S. Embassy Access #

Located in Islamabad’s Diplomatic Enclave. Security is tight; access requires advance scheduling. Additional consulates in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar.

Political Climate #

Political instability, civil-military friction, and extremist activity remain high, especially near borders. Travel is discouraged to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Crime & Personal Safety #

High risk of street crime, kidnapping, and mob violence over religious allegations. Law enforcement response is inconsistent.

Health & Medical #

Top causes of death include heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, neonatal disorders, and diarrheal diseases.

• Vaccinations required: polio, typhoid, hepatitis A/B.
• Medical care is limited outside major cities and must be paid upfront.

Emergency Healthcare Access #

In rural regions, hospitals may be 2 to 6 hours away. Wait times vary; availability of common medications is unreliable. Emergency care requires cash payments.

Christian Martyrdom #

Recent victims include Nasir Masih, Waqas Masih, and Suleman Masih. Historic martyr Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated in 2011 for defending Christians.

Transportation Risks #

High fatality rates due to road conditions and traffic law violations. Domestic flights exist but may be disrupted. Public transportation is unsafe for foreigners.

Natural Disasters #

Frequent floods, heatwaves, and earthquakes. Over 500 died in the June 2024 heatwave. Millions displaced by 2025 monsoon floods.

Cybersecurity #

Internet activity is monitored. Avoid posting Christian content online. Use VPNs and secure platforms for digital communications.

Cultural & Legal Considerations #

• Modest dress required; women should cover heads in rural areas.
• Alcohol is illegal for Muslims; restricted for non-Muslims.
• Proselytizing is illegal and punishable by imprisonment or deportation.
• Same-sex relationships and cohabitation are criminal offenses.

Note: This document is provided for informational purposes only and should not substitute for real-time updates from official government advisories.

References (APA Style) #

1. Amnesty International. (2025). Pakistan: Human rights overview. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/asia-and-the-pacific/south-asia/pakistan/
2. AP News. (2025, May 30). Pakistani Christian lynched by mob. https://apnews.com
3. Open Doors. (2025). Pakistan: Media advocacy dossier. https://www.opendoors.org
4. Reuters. (2025, June 1). Christian sentenced to death. https://www.reuters.com
5. U.S. Department of State. (2025). Pakistan travel advisory. https://travel.state.gov
6. USCIRF. (2025). Annual report: Pakistan. https://www.uscirf.gov
7. World Health Organization. (2025). Country health profile: Pakistan. https://www.who.int
8. World Atlas. (2025). Leading causes of death in Pakistan. https://www.worldatlas.com