Karachi and the province of Punjab are experiencing protracted political or sectarian violence that, although not explicitly anti-American, poses a potential danger to American travelers. During the Islamic religious observances of Ramadan and Moharram, sectarian rivalry and violence often increase. Because of dangerous security conditions, caution is essential when traveling overland through the tribal areas to the Khyber Pass. Substantial areas within the Northwest Frontier are designated tribal areas and are outside the normal jurisdiction of government law enforcement authorities. Travel within these areas is particularly hazardous.
Visitors risk being caught in armed clashes between feudal tribal factions or smugglers.
Car hijackings and the abduction of foreigners are occasionally reported from the tribal areas. If visitors must enter the tribal areas, a permit from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department is required. The permit may stipulate that an armed escort must accompany the visitor. Even in the settled areas of the Northwest Frontier Province, ethnic, political, or sectarian violence may target foreigners. 1997 witnessed a dramatic increase in sectarian violence within the province, resulting in hundreds of deaths.