Pakistan 2007 Crime & Safety Report: Lahore

Crime & Safety

South / Central Asia - Pakistan
10 Jan 2007

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

Crime has seen a marked increase in the past year. Punjab government reports show a 24% increase of reported crimes in 2006 over 2005 (314,647 compared to 254,316). In 2006 there were more than 9,600 robberies reported, an increase of 19% over 2005. There were 4,900 murders reported and 6,900 attempted murders, an increase of 4% and 7%, respectively. Rape increased 6%, residential burglaries rose 12%, and cattle theft increased 18%, with 11,700 reports filed. The largest boost in criminal activity was extortion with a jump of 58% over 2005.

This rise in official crime statistics comes despite an increase in the annual police budget, and training provided by the U.S. Government. New directives from the Chief Minister and the Inspector General of Police requiring that line officers file formal paperwork on all crimes reported (whether or not an offender has been identified or the case is to be further investigated) accounts for a potion of the increase in official crime statistics. However, contacts report that this directive is routinely ignored. The increase has been blamed, at least in part, on officers lacking scientific investigative skills, although it is likely that this accounts more for the high rate of unsolved crime in Punjab than the increase in criminal activities.

Crimes against American citizens reported to the U.S. Consulate are minimal. One kidnapping with a request for ransom, approximately twelve stolen passports, one case of criminal harassment, and one case of domestic violence were reported.  Most American citizens within the Punjab Consular District hold Pakistani-American dual citizenship. For this reason, most victims do not report crimes against them to the consulate. Pakistani police treat all dual citizen nationals as Pakistanis and do not routinely notify the consulate of crimes against them or encourage them to contact the consulate for assistance. 

Although Lahore, in particular, and Punjab, in general, have seen a spike in criminal activity, most areas of Lahore remain safe, provided proactive personal security measures are followed by the individual. As most crimes in Lahore are crimes of opportunity, using commonsense tactics, such as situational awareness, avoiding displays of cash or jewelry, and avoiding walking alone after dark, significantly decreases one's chances of becoming a victim of crime. An emergency phone number (15) set up by the Capital City Police Lahore (CCPL) has logged more than 20,000 phone calls in the past three months. Signs and billboards are posted throughout Lahore alerting Lahoris of this phone number and the CCPL's "Need to Serve" as is printed on the posters. The consulate strongly encourages all victims of crimes to report the crime to the nearest police station.

A consulate employee was held up at gunpoint on December 18, 2006 while driving at approximately 11:00 pm. The perpetrators stole Rs 6500 (approximately US $110), jewelry and a cell phone from the employee and spouse. 

Safety

Although most roads are decently-maintained and passable, the average Lahori does not pay attention to traffic signals, right of way, traffic flow, or traffic police. Vehicles smash into motorbikes and bicycles regularly on the  very busy streets of Lahore. Most mtorists do not pay attention to traffic signals and many are frequently seen running red lights, only barely missing traffic with the green light. Most drivers have no regard for the proper flow of traffic. At any given time, a car will barrel down a street in the wrong direction instead of going around the block. Driving, although risky, is possible. Drivers must devote full concentration to driving and avoid unnecessary distractions. Although talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal in Lahore, this rule is not enforced, like most other traffic laws. There are too many cars in Lahore for the size of the roads and the current roadway infrastructure.

The Motorway, a toll road linking Lahore to Islamabad, is immaculate, with strictly enforced traffic laws. The road is smooth, but traffic accidents do occur. The maximum speed limit is 120 kph, but drivers regularly exceed the limit. Motorway police are posted at regular intervals and constantly patrol the motorway. Drivers are expected to drive within marked lanes, which contrasts starkly the rules of the road in Lahore, where a two-lane road can become a five-lane avenue in a matter of seconds. If caught driving over the speed limit on the Motorway, fines must be paid upon exiting the Motorway at the toll booth. 

Political Violence

Historical Perspective

Lahore and the Punjab historically have been comparatively safe for Americans. The CCPL is quite large and no specific attacks against U.S. government (USG) interests in Lahore have occurred since 1979, when the American Cultural Center was torched. Sectarian violence, including bombings of mosques, assassinations of clergy, and attack on religious ceremonies, were commonplace in Lahore and rural Punjab from the 1970s until 2002. Such violence has continued to occur sporadically in Lahore and rural Punjab since that time. Sectarian extremist, militant and terrorist groups, including designated foreign terrorist organizations, remain present in Lahore and other areas of the Punjab, although many of their activities are directed towards Indian-controlled Kashmir, Afghanistan and other parts of Pakistan. The Chief Minister has undertaken a major initiative to curtail the activities of these organizations in Punjab and regularly markets the province as safe for foreign investors. Chief Minister Elahi has increased the size and training opportunities for the provincial apparatus. No major incidences of political or terrorist violence against private Americans in Punjab have been reported to the RSO. Despite these trends, Lahore and Punjab remain at critical risk for terrorist attacks against American interests. 

Regional, International and Transnational Terrorism and Organized Crime

While Lahore and Punjab do not have the same history of anti-American violence as other areas of Pakistan, Lahore remains ranked CRITICAL for transnational and indigenous terrorism on the State Department's Security Environment Threat List. An underlying threat against Americans is ever present with anti-American graffiti seen on multiple occasions throughout the city. Anti-American slogans are prevalent around some of the major universities. Additionally, designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, domestic sectarian extremist organizations, and regional militant groups are known to operate, recruit and have offices in Lahore and other parts of Punjab. Basic counterterrorism measures (such as avoiding time and place predictability) and paying close attention to your surroundings are key in Lahore and Punjab.

Two bomb explosions are known to have occurred within Lahore in 2006. One occurred on August 29 at Liberty Market, a popular and often crowded shopping area. This attack was more than likely a response by Baloch militants to the assassination of Balochistan Governor Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. Another blast occurred on November 17 at a bus stop on Ferozepur Road. Police again blamed Baloch militants. This bombing, however, could been a response by Islamic extremist groups to the passage of the Women's Protection Bill in the National Assembly the day prior. Neither explosion caused significant damage. One death was reported in relation to the November 17 bombing.

Elsewhere in the Punjab sectarian extremist groups assassinated three prominent Shia religious and political leaders in separate incidents in April, September and October in Faisalabad, Sargodha and Bahawalpur. On September 23 a bicycle bomb exploded in a cattle market in the town of Dera Ghazi Khan, leaving two dead. Police attributed responsibility to Baloch militants.

Civil Unrest

U.S. Consulate General Lahore's very close proximity to the Lahore Press Club enlightens officers to the concerns of the Lahore population. Demonstrations from the poor wages of teachers to the disgruntlement of groups about the Women's Protection Bill take place right outside the consulate's front door. The CCPL handles demonstrations and maintains order, allowing traffic to flow. On February 14, 2006 in response to the Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad, Lahore experienced mass riots. Groups ripped through the streets destroying and setting fire to motorbikes, vehicles and businesses. The Punjab Assembly and several businesses on Mall Road were set ablaze. The rioters did not seem to target any particular businesses or groups, but the mob mentality soared as the group grew in strength. Police expected a much smaller number of protesters, but the crowd grew to upwards of 100,000 people by the time the incident subsided. Several police officers were injured on this day including one senior ranking officer. There is a law within the Punjab that is adhered to, for the most part, requiring permits for groups to protest. In conjunction with obtaining the permit, organizers meet with CCPL representatives to discuss the terms of the protest / demonstration / march and require and request peace and order from the group. Police are not shy about using tear gas or other deterrents, but the "new" CCPL is expected to be a softer, gentler police force. With that said, police will likely take measures to ensure public order as best they can.

Post Specific Concerns

Earthquakes / Floods

Although Lahore is not located on a fault line, areas within the Punjab are. Earthquakes can and have caused devastation within the Punjab. The Punjab Government does not have the resources to quickly recover from an earthquake or any type of large-scale natural disaster. Victims from the October 2005 earthquake in the neighboring North West Frontier Province and Azad Kammu Kashmir remain displaced. Buildings are not built to earthquake-proof standards. If a strong earthquake hit Lahore, destruction would be widespread. Additionally, Lahore's drainage system is inadequate. In the summer of 2006, streets were flooded waist-high with rainwater. Cars were unable to move and canals and rivers broke their banks. Lahore's rainy season occurs from mid-July to mid-August.

Industrial and Transportation Accidents

One known airline crash occurred within Punjab in 2006, in Multan. This was a commercial flight operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and was a Fokker type aircraft. PIA has ceased utilizing all Fokker aircraft for passenger travel, but has restarted cargo flights using the Fokker fleet. Reports in a local newspaper graded PIA poorly on the maintenance of their aircraft. Additionally, on a flight from Karachi to Islamabad, a PIA flight experienced severe in-flight turbulence over Faisalabad in the Punjab. The plane plummeted thousands of feet, injuring four passengers. The pilot failed to report this while in-flight or after landing in Islamabad.

Kidnappings

There were approximately 7,600 kidnappings reported in the Punjab in 2006. 140 of them requested a ransom. This is an increase of 36 percent over 2005. One known case involved an American citizen. It is believed the child was not kidnapped because she was an American. The consulate assisted the CCPL with the case. The child was returned within 72 hours unharmed.

Drugs and Narcoterrorism

On a daily basis, newspapers report drugs being discovered and smugglers arrested at airports and border crossings. Although the efforts of Punjab officials should be applauded, they likely intercept only a small percentage of drugs that are brought to or grown in the Punjab. CCPL provided reports showing 780 kg of marijuana, 32 kg heroin, 42 kg poppy, and 1,800 bottles of alcohol were confiscated in Lahore in 2006. Drug usage continues to grow annually.

Police Response
 
No instances of police harassment of private Americans have been reported to the RSO. All travelers to Lahore should be cognizant of the language barrier; the average police officer on the street does not have command of the English language. If Americans are stopped they should do as they are told. If the detainment is felt to be unlawful or unnecessary, do not attempt to walk away, as this may result in undesired actions by the police. If possible, contact should be made to other colleagues or contacts within Lahore to advise them of the situation. American citizens should ask to speak with the Police In-Charge or the Assistant Superintendent of Police (normally called A-S-P), inform the official of their citizenship, and request that the consulate be notified immediately. If the situation escalates to a level that is deemed dangerous or continues for an extended period of time, Americans should contact the U.S. Consulate immediately and ask to speak with the Regional Security Office.

The CCPL uniform is khaki pants with a dark grey shirt. Most officers wear a black beret. The insignia of the Punjab Police is worn on the left arm. The current Traffic Police uniform is blue pants with a white shirt. During the winter months the uniforms add sweaters - black for the Punjab Police and blue for the Traffic Police. Fines must be deposited at the Pakistan National Bank, not paid directly to the police officer. At no time should anyone pay fines or courtesies to the police or traffic officers.

The areas that most Americans traveling to Lahore would stay are in the same general area as the consulate. Two of the three western-standard hotels are within relative close distance to the consulate. Additionally, most Punjab Government offices are located in the vicinity as well. Should an American become a victim of a crime, the first call should be made to 15. Direct office numbers for senior level CCPL officers in the areas around the major hotels and consulate are provided below. In all cases of numbers provided, the officers speak English fluently.

Superintendent of Police Security 

Tariq Abbas Qureshi - +92-(0)42-921-1567 or +92-(0)42-921-1587 

Police Station Civil Lines - +92-(0)42-920-0561 (Station House Officer: Syed Intikhab Hussain Shah) 

Police Station Race Course - +92-(0)-42-920-0300 (Station House Officer: Khurram Bukhari)

To dial the number from the US, you would dial 011-92-42-92# - ####.
To dial the number from Pakistan land line, you would dial 92# - ####.
To dial the number from Pakistan cell phone, you would dial 042-92# - ####

Medical Emergencies 

Americans frequent Doctor's Hospital, located at 152-A-G-I Canal Bank, Jauhar Town, +92-(0)42-530-2701/09 for medical emergencies. 

There are no air ambulance services in Lahore. Planes would be more than likely be dispatched from European countries.

Travel Precautions 

As always, drivers should be wary of their surroundings. Beggars frequently approach stopped vehicles at busy intersections. Normally if the driver waves them on, they leave. Additionally, goods are sold on street corners such as dish rags, sunglasses, monkeys, balloons and candy. No scams specific to the Punjab or Lahore are currently known. As always if it is too good to be true, it probably is not true.

In the Lahore area there were two prevalent organized crime groups/gangs until the majority of the gangs were arrested in 2006. The Bassa Gang is responsible for 16 known cases of murder and extortion. The Mubeen Butt gang is responsible for 19 known cases of murder and extortion. In all cases of extortion, the gangs forced businessmen to pay for protection. The businesses victimized were all Pakistani-owned businesses.

One place in Lahore that is continuously off-limits to official Americans is Minar-i-Pakistan. The monument is in a large park adjacent to the Badshahi Mosque, and the park has been the rallying point for several anti-American protests in the past. Additionally other areas of Lahore are discouraged or restricted during certain times. Travel to the Old City is strongly discouraged during the weekdays and travel to visit the sites of the Old City including Wazir Khan Mosque, Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort are recommended only for Saturday or Sunday mornings. Travel in and around the city should be limited on Friday afternoons, especially following prayers.

Several areas within the Punjab require the explicit permission of the Pakistani Government for diplomatic travel. Personal travel to these areas should be avoided at all times. The areas include: Tehsil Fateh Jang, Tehsil Attock, Tehsil Khushab, Tehsil Dera Ghazi Khan, Basal, Jauharabad. Lahore's Principal Officer has restricted travel of official Americans to Mansoora and mosques/masjids. 

Contact Information

U.S. Consulate Lahore is located at 50 Empress Road (Shahrah-e-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees) near Shimla Hill. The main switchboard, which is available 24/7, is +92-42-603-4000. RSO can be reached directly at +92-42-603-0494. Post does not have a full-time Health Unit doctor. A local doctor is contracted and is available through the switchboard 24/7. American Citizens Services can be reached from 8 AM to 4:30 PM at +92-42-603-4250 or 4126. After hours, the Duty Officer or Consular Officer can be reached through the switchboard.

The Political/Economic and the Public Affairs Officer can be reached during normal business hours through their secretary at +92-42-603-4079. There are no Marine Security Guards at the consulate, although locally engaged staff man a Post One 24/7 and can be reached directly at +92-42-603-4104.

U.S. Embassy Islamabad is located in the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad.
The main switchboard, which is available, 24/7, is +92-51-208-0000 RSO Islamabad can be reached directly at +92-51-208-2203/2643. 

Islamabad's Health Unit can be reached at +92-51-208-2558.

Islamabad's Political Section can be reached at +92-51-208-2660.

Islamabad's Economic Section can be reached at +92-51-208-2690.

Islamabad's Consular Section can be reached at +92-51-208-2122.
 
Islamabad's Post One can be reached at +92-51-208-2338.

OSAC Country Council

Lahore does not have an OSAC Country Council; the nearest active council is in Islamabad.