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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Pakistan International Parental Child Abduction Information

International Parental Child Abduction

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Pakistan International Parental Child Abduction Information

Pakistan

Pakistan
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to reflect the security environment.

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to: 

  • Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism.
  • The immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

Country Summary: Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan and KP, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past. 

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials. Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.  

Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid, sometimes changing with little or no notice. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.

The government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide services to U.S. citizens in KP, Balochistan, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi as U.S. government personnel must obtain special authorization to travel to those locales. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates require U.S. government personnel to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel. Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions. U.S. government personnel on assignment in Pakistan are prohibited from attending most large gatherings.  

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained as Pakistani law considers such individuals to be citizens of Pakistan.

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar does not provide consular services.  Services for U.S. citizens are available from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, and the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Pakistan. 

If you decide to travel to Pakistan:      

  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Vary your travel routes and timing. 
  • Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, police installations, places of worship, government and military institutions, and other locations. 
  • Be cognizant of local events. Avoid demonstrations or other large gatherings.
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Obtain travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuations.
  • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Find a suggested list of such documents here.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization. 
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter. 
  • Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan. 
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Balochistan Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to Balochistan province. Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  

KP Province, including the former FATA – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to KP province, which includes the former FATA.  Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces.  These groups historically have targeted both government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  

Vicinity of Line of Control – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including areas along the Line of Control. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Travelers are advised to confirm the status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. An Indian visa is required to enter India, and no visa services are available at the border.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  

... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Islamabad

Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5
Islamabad, Pakistan
Telephone: +(92)(51) 201-4000 or +(92)(51) 201-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(92)(51) 201-4000
Fax: +(92)(51) 282-2632
Website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/

Consulates

U.S. Consulate General Karachi
Plot 3-5 New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road
Karachi, Pakistan
Telephone: +(92)(21) 3527-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(92)(21) 3527-5000
Fax: +(92)(21) 3561-2420
Website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Consulate General Lahore
50, Shahrah-e-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees,
(Old Empress Road) near Shimla Hill Circle,
Lahore, Pakistan
Telephone: +(92)(42) 3603-4000
Fax: +(92)(42) 3603-4212
Website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar
11 Hospital Road, Peshawar Cantt.20
Telephone: +(92)(91) 526-8800
Fax: +(92)(91) 527-6712
Website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/

**Consular services are not available in Peshawar**

For information concerning travel to Pakistan, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see Pakistan country-specific information.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. The government of Pakistan maintains information about custody, visitation, and family law.

Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Pakistan and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances. 

The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children's Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children's Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.

Contact information:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Website
Email: AskCI@state.gov

Parental abduction is a crime in Pakistan within limited parameters. For information about Pakistani laws regarding parental abduction, please consult an attorney in Pakistan. 

Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information. 

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Pakistan and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.

The Office of Children's Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Pakistan for information and possible assistance 

Neither the Office of Children's Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Pakistan are authorized to provide legal advice.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan maintain a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law, here under "local resources."

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

Mediation may be available for abduction cases. Pakistan shares the chairmanship of the Working Party on Mediation in the context of the Malta Process, which is part of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. If you are interested in learning more about mediation options, the central point of contact for international family mediation in Pakistan may be reached at:

Office of International Cooperation of International Family Law
Room No 313 "S" Block
M/o Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs,
Pak Secretariat,
Islamabad
Pakistan
Tel.: 051-9203053
contact@molaw.gov.pk

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: September 11, 2018

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Islamabad
Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5 Islamabad, Pakistan
Telephone
+(92)(51) 201-4000 or +(92)(51)201-5000
Emergency
+(92)(51) 201-4000
Fax
+(92)(51) 282-2632
Email
ACSIslamabad@state.gov
Website
https://pk.usembassy.gov/

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