Is Islamabad Safe in November 2026?

Unofficial taxi drivers at Islamabad International Airport (formerly New Islamabad International Airport) quote fares of 3,000-6,000 PKR for journeys into the city that should cost 1,500-2,500 PKR via metered or app-based transport. The airport's distance from the city (roughly 25km from F-7) is used to justify inflated quotes.

How to avoid: Use the InDrive or Careem app to book a ride before exiting the terminal. Official airport taxi counters inside the arrivals hall also post fixed rates. Confirm the fare in PKR before entering any vehicle.

Tour operators in the Aabpara and F-7 Markaz commercial areas sell Karakoram Highway and Hunza Valley packages without the permits, registered vehicles, or licensed guides required by the PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation). Some operators collect partial payments then become unreachable, particularly for peak summer season bookings.

How to avoid: Verify any tour operator's PTDC registration before paying. Ask for copies of driver licenses and vehicle registration. Pay deposits by traceable means, not cash. Check operator reviews on Pakistan tourism forums.

Near the perimeter of Faisal Mosque, individuals approach non-Muslim tourists with offers to arrange a mosque visit, then demand a "donation" or guide fee far exceeding any customary contribution. Some claim the mosque now requires a paid guide for non-Muslim visitors, which is not an official policy.

How to avoid: Non-Muslim visitors can enter Faisal Mosque independently without a guide or fee. Politely decline self-appointed guides and walk directly to the main entrance. Any legitimate donation box is inside the mosque.

Vendors near the Islamabad airport arrivals area sell tourist SIM cards (Jazz, Telenor, Zong) without registering them to the tourist's CNIC or passport as required by Pakistani law, meaning the SIM may be deactivated within days or used for fraudulent activity linked to the tourist's travel profile.

How to avoid: Purchase SIM cards only at official carrier stores in F-7 Markaz or Jinnah Super Market where passport registration is completed on-site with a printed receipt. Avoid airport SIM vendors outside the official carrier counters.

Informal money changers around Aabpara market and near the Melody Food Park area shortchange tourists using fast-counting techniques. Pakistan's large denomination notes (5,000 PKR) are sometimes substituted with lower denominations during the hand-over count.

How to avoid: Use bank ATMs (HBL, UBL, MCB) for PKR withdrawals. If using a money changer, count all notes yourself before leaving the counter. Do not allow the changer to recount after you have already counted.