Reconsider Travel
“Reconsider travelto Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Tue, 16 Jun 2026
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Is Islamabad safe? 🇵🇰
Pakistan · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Islamabad scores 54/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes, Islamabad is moderately safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid protests. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 3 (Reconsider Travel).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Islamabad 🇵🇰
Pakistan · Assessed 19 October 2026
54
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime64/100FairCrime index 30.9 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment64/100FairMostly positive
Advisories50Caution
Stability43Caution
Health73Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Caution
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Pakistan-Afghanistan border FCDO advises against all travel to within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Updated 2026-10-14T15:08:27Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Pakistan: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-10-15T06:03:03.5226226-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Urban scale factor
602k residents
74
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
4.3 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Pakistan4.3World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
70
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed robbery and mugging pose risk after dark, particularly in less-policed sectors like I-8 to I-11 and western outskirts.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded markets, transport hubs, and busy streets; unattended belongings are targeted.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Caution
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
64/100
Reported feel58Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Visitors report feeling safe in daylight and in upscale sectors, but express caution after dark and during political unrest, noting visible security presence.
Yes, Islamabad is moderately safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid protests.
Islamabad benefits from strong security presence and lower violent crime than other Pakistani cities, but political demonstrations and occasional bomb threats require vigilance. Pickpocketing and robbery remain moderate risks in crowded markets and less-policed sectors, while scams target tourists via fake guides and overcharging.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026Thousands of Imran Khan supporters began a march toward Islamabad demanding his release after failed talks— Reuters
- Oct 2026Pakistan's Prime Minister urged Imran Khan's supporters to end the protest march toward the capital— France 24
- Sep 2026Authorities locked down Islamabad as Imran Khan’s party vowed to march on the capital, prompting road closures and increased security— The Guardian
- Sep 2026U.S. Embassy issued a security alert advising vigilance during demonstrations in Islamabad from September 27 to 30— U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan (.gov)
Common scams
- Fake tour guides overcharging or diverting tourists
- Currency exchange tricks offering poor rates
- Rickshaw drivers charging inflated fares
Full briefing
Islamabad remains one of Pakistan’s safer cities due to its planned layout, diplomatic presence, and visible security forces, particularly in upscale sectors like F-6, F-7, and F-10 where embassies and international hotels are located. However, recent political protests have disrupted normal movement, with thousands of Imran Khan supporters marching toward the capital in October 2026, prompting lockdowns and security alerts from the U.S. Embassy. Visitors should avoid areas near the Red Zone and sectors I-8 to I-11 during demonstrations, as road closures and heightened tensions increase the risk of incidental violence or detention.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are moderate risks in crowded markets such as Jinnah Super and Aabpara, especially during peak hours, while robbery remains a concern after dark in less-policed western outskirts and sectors like I-8 to I-11. Scams targeting tourists include fake guides offering overpriced tours, currency exchange tricks with poor rates, and rickshaw drivers inflating fares—common near major attractions like Faisal Mosque. To stay safe, use only registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, agree on fares beforehand, and keep valuables concealed. While daylight feels secure in well-lit, monitored zones, caution is advised after dark and during any political unrest, even if the city overall feels calmer than other Pakistani capitals.
Was this Islamabad, Pakistan report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Islamabad districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Islamabad safety map.
I-10avoidRecent bomb blast (June 2026) and ongoing protest activity; high alert zone with sporadic violence.
G-6cautionCommercial and residential mix; daytime safe but pickpocketing reported in markets after dark.
G-9cautionBusy commercial area with higher petty crime risk; avoid isolated streets after dusk.
I-8cautionWestern outskirts with less police coverage; armed robbery risk increases after dark.
Margalla Hills Trail 3 & 5cautionPopular for hiking but isolated; petty theft and occasional muggings reported on trails.
F-6saferUpscale residential area with embassies, consistent security patrols, and low crime.
F-7saferDiplomatic enclave with high security presence, well-lit streets, and minimal petty crime.
F-10saferWell-planned sector with good lighting, regular police presence, and low incidence of violent crime.
07 · After Dark
Is Islamabad safe at night?
68% of people in Pakistan say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2019).
Armed robbery and mugging pose risk after dark, particularly in less-policed sectors like I-8 to I-11 and western outskirts.
After dark, be most careful around I-10, G-6, G-9, I-8. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Islamabad safety FAQ (2026)
Is Islamabad safe right now (2026)?
Yes, Islamabad is moderately safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid protests. Islamabad benefits from strong security presence and lower violent crime than other Pakistani cities, but political demonstrations and occasional bomb threats require vigilance. Pickpocketing and robbery remain moderate risks in crowded markets and less-policed sectors, while scams target tourists via fake guides and overcharging. (Assessed 19 October 2026.)
Is Islamabad safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Islamabad report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Islamabad should tourists avoid?
Field research flags I-10 as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Islamabad (2026)?
- Fake tour guides overcharging or diverting tourists
- Currency exchange tricks offering poor rates
- Rickshaw drivers charging inflated fares
How does Islamabad compare with other places in Pakistan (2026)?
Islamabad ranks #2 of 6 Pakistan destinations we've assessed, scoring 54/100. See the Pakistan safety overview for the full list.
How is this islamabad safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: islamabad.json (CC BY 4.0).