So they've decided to establish a presence in PAKISTAN of all places, due to a connection we made at an exhibition. So guess who's going to an international energy exhibition in Pakistan to establish the presence of the company with a DANISH name. (Name only mind, since it was sold to a Singaporean concern some years ago)
So I did a search of some travel advisory sites and came up with some scary shit so I sent this to the big cheese in Singapore.
I checked a few foreign government websites about Pakistan and These are just a few excerpts from government travel advisories for travel to Pakistan.
Taken from the Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and U.S. Government travel advisories

We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, sectarian violence and the unpredictable security situation.


You could be caught up in violence or attacks directed at others.


Recent credible information indicates terrorists are planning attacks against targets in Karachi.


Recent terrorist attacks have caused large numbers of deaths and injuries in major cities, including Karachi.


We continue to receive a stream of credible reports indicating that terrorists are in the advanced stages of planning attacks against a range of targets in Pakistan.
Terrorist attacks could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners, such as international hotels, restaurants, markets and tourist sites, (this would include international exhibitions.)


At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured on 14 January 2008 when a bomb fixed to a motorcycle detonated near a clothing factory in Karachi.


More than a dozen people were killed and more than 40 injured when a suicide bomber targeted a political rally at an Islamabad market on 17 July 2007. On 12



May 2007, scores of people were killed in political violence during a protest in Karachi.


On April 10, 2008, clashes between rival groups of lawyers in Karachi left 11 dead.


In March 2008, terrorists bombed an Islamabad restaurant frequented by foreigners. Further attacks are possible in the short term.


In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided at venues. Possible targets include clubs, restaurants, embassies and high commissions, schools including international schools, international hotels, expatriate housing compounds, places of worship, shopping centres, markets, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and other crowded places, transport hubs and identifiably Western interests, (international exhibitions) including businesses. Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners in the past and more kidnappings are possible.


The security situation in Pakistan is very precarious and could deteriorate further. You should avoid any unnecessary local travel.

Avoid travel after dark and the use of public transport, including buses, trains and taxis, due to the security risk.


Sindh Province - In Karachi and Hyderabad, there has been recurring violence characterized by random bombings, shootings, and kidnapping for ransom. Westerners continue to be a particular target of hostility.

Violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping, occurs in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in Karachi.

You should exercise extreme caution. Only the very best hotels, with stringent security, including metal detectors, should be used.

Armed robbery, random shootings, and armed carjackings occur as well, mostly in major urban centres.


There is extreme risk to your security in Pakistan and travellers are advised against all travel.

New Zealanders should defer all travel to Pakistan. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks. Against “soft targets” such as hospitals, hotels, places of worship and schools, establishments associated with Western interests, such as fast food outlets and places where Westerners gather. There is also a risk of kidnapping.

New Zealanders travelling to or resident in Pakistan should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies.

With this in mind I will be revising my budget and hotel and transport options, taking secure cars, not taxis or public transport, and staying in the nearest good hotel to the exhibition regardless of cost. I will not be travelling halfway across the city to stay at a budget hotel or traipsing around looking for cheap places to eat as I would normally do.
They're stingy bastards and I'm usually looking for cheap hotels and eats on these trips but I'm REALLY not looking forward to this so this time they can stump up for quality and security or go fuck themselves.