Pakistan Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Pakistan
Pakistan recorded 4.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Pakistan #78 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 34% over the past decade (from 6.6 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Pakistan at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
4.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#118 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 34% over the past decade (from 6.6 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Pakistan Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
Pakistan has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
1,534(2024)
Military Spending
2.7% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Pakistan:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. mission operations. Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to armed conflict , terrorism, crime , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: Balochistan Province due to terrorism and kidnapping. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province , including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) , due to terrorism and kidnapping .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Pakistan
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 29, 2026).
Terrorism
Violent extremist groups within Pakistan continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and other Westerners are known to congregate or visit, including: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Government facilities Schools and universities Shopping malls and markets Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by Westerners and tourists Public transportation hubs/stations Minority neighborhoods Outdoor recreation areas. Terrorists also target Pakistani officials, government facilities, security forces, and religious minorities. We recommend you limit the frequency of travel and minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other public locations.
Crime
All travelers are advised to dress conservatively, with arms and legs covered, and to avoid walking alone. We recommend avoiding travel on the streets late at night. Urban crime can be organized or opportunistic and conducted by individuals or groups. It can include fraud, theft, robbery, carjacking, assault, and burglary. Incidents of crime and levels of violence are higher in low-income residential and congested commercial areas but are seen in wealthier areas as well. Pickpocketing, theft, and larceny are common on buses and trains at all hours of the day.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to local, national, or international current events, including on politically significant holidays. Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Demonstrations, political rallies, or large religious gatherings intended to be peaceful can become confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid areas where large crowds of any kind gather. U.S Embassy and Consulate personnel are routinely instructed to avoid areas of any demonstration. During demonstrations or periods of civil unrest, the Pakistani government has in the past disabled cellular telephone and internet service, making it difficult for individuals to contact each other or the U.S. Embassy or Consulates. The U.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 15 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(92)(51) 201-4000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. Police responsiveness varies widely, and crimes often go unsolved or unprosecuted. Dual U.S-Pakistani nationals may not be recognized as U.S. citizens by local authorities and may be treated as Pakistani nationals by the police and the courts. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates in Karachi or Lahore for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not regularly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Pakistan Population & Demographics
Population of 251,269,164, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pakistan safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Pakistan at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 4.3 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Pakistan?
Pakistan has an intentional homicide rate of 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #78 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Pakistan?
Pakistan is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Pakistan compare to other countries?
Pakistan's homicide rate of 4.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.