Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
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Brad
Apr 18, 2012, 4:16:37 AM4/18/12
to Paraglide Pakistan
Hello All,
Well as to be expected I received the first email of a pilot canceling
his trip to Pakistan based on recent sectarian violence in the Gilgit
area. Instead he is considering a trip to the big mountains of Peru in
South America. Let me take a minute to explain my views and seek the
opinion of others, especially Pakistani's in this group.
1) Every year there are events that seems to make traveling to
Pakistan dangerous and unpleasant. The reality is that these events
don't affect foreigners and thus people canceling their trips seems a
shame to me.
2007 was Lal Masijd (Red Mosque) and fighting in Islamabad itself.
2008 there were serious problems including the Assasination of Benazir
Bhutto and various suicide bombings. 2009 was a large military
campaign to remove Taliban from Swat resulting in a huge displacement
of people of the area. These events, viewed from the outside, made
traveling to Pakistan seem dangerous and reckless. The reality was, as
a pilot and traveler we were not affected. In fact my father visited
in 2007 and 2009 and my sister visited in 2008. All had great visits
and I would not ask my family to come if I thought it were dangerous.
It's worth mentioning that there could be a risk, I'm not saying
there's not. I just mean to say that all the Pakistani's you will meet
in the northern areas will be looking out for your safety and that
most violence is not directed towards tourists. Compare this to
traveling in Peru or Brazil and in my mind Pakistan is much safer. I
know of several instances of paraglider pilot friends who have been
robbed with knives or guns in those countries. However most pilots
still consider these to be safer destinations than Pakistan because
the threat of being attacked by a terrorist is so much more dramatic
than simply being knifed by some kid who wants your money.
So that's my general take on where to travel to but I would really
like to hear from Pakistani pilots about how they view the current
situation and how risky it is to travel to Pakistan this year.
Thanks,
Brad
Well as to be expected I received the first email of a pilot canceling
his trip to Pakistan based on recent sectarian violence in the Gilgit
area. Instead he is considering a trip to the big mountains of Peru in
South America. Let me take a minute to explain my views and seek the
opinion of others, especially Pakistani's in this group.
1) Every year there are events that seems to make traveling to
Pakistan dangerous and unpleasant. The reality is that these events
don't affect foreigners and thus people canceling their trips seems a
shame to me.
2007 was Lal Masijd (Red Mosque) and fighting in Islamabad itself.
2008 there were serious problems including the Assasination of Benazir
Bhutto and various suicide bombings. 2009 was a large military
campaign to remove Taliban from Swat resulting in a huge displacement
of people of the area. These events, viewed from the outside, made
traveling to Pakistan seem dangerous and reckless. The reality was, as
a pilot and traveler we were not affected. In fact my father visited
in 2007 and 2009 and my sister visited in 2008. All had great visits
and I would not ask my family to come if I thought it were dangerous.
It's worth mentioning that there could be a risk, I'm not saying
there's not. I just mean to say that all the Pakistani's you will meet
in the northern areas will be looking out for your safety and that
most violence is not directed towards tourists. Compare this to
traveling in Peru or Brazil and in my mind Pakistan is much safer. I
know of several instances of paraglider pilot friends who have been
robbed with knives or guns in those countries. However most pilots
still consider these to be safer destinations than Pakistan because
the threat of being attacked by a terrorist is so much more dramatic
than simply being knifed by some kid who wants your money.
So that's my general take on where to travel to but I would really
like to hear from Pakistani pilots about how they view the current
situation and how risky it is to travel to Pakistan this year.
Thanks,
Brad
Brad Sander
Apr 18, 2012, 4:24:32 AM4/18/12
to Paraglide Pakistan
I forgot to mention there is a ban on tourism is Gilgit currently so better for all pilots to start in Chitral. Would local pilots also advise on transport to Chitral. Is it advised to take a PIA flight from Islamabad or go by road, I believe the drive time is 13hrs and there is daily coaster service.
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sirajulmulk
Apr 18, 2012, 7:40:54 AM4/18/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Dear Brad
Forgot to mention that all foreigners going by road to Chitral need an NOC from the home department in Peshawar. It is quite a straight forward procedure but needs a weeks advance notice.
Foreigners coming to Chitral do not need any such NOC.
Siraj
Forgot to mention that all foreigners going by road to Chitral need an NOC from the home department in Peshawar. It is quite a straight forward procedure but needs a weeks advance notice.
Foreigners coming to Chitral do not need any such NOC.
Siraj
Hindukush Heights Chitral . ph++92-943413151 cell 03449700800 fax413153 www.hindukush.com.pk
From: Brad Sander <bradism...@gmail.com>
Sender: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:24:32 +0700
To: Paraglide Pakistan<paraglide...@googlegroups.com>
ReplyTo: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Paraglide Pakistan 319] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
sirajulmulk
Apr 18, 2012, 8:41:45 AM4/18/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Please read the last para as "foreigners coming to Chitral BY AIR do not need such an NOC"
Hindukush Heights Chitral . ph++92-943413151 cell 03449700800 fax413153 www.hindukush.com.pk
From: "sirajulmulk" <siraj...@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:40:54 +0000
ReplyTo: siraj...@gmail.com
Subject: Re: [Paraglide Pakistan 319] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
Forgot to mention that all foreigners going by road to Chitral need an NOC from the home department in Peshawar. It is quite a straight forward procedure but needs a weeks advance notice.
Foreigners coming to Chitral do not need any such NOC.
Siraj
Hindukush Heights Chitral . ph++92-943413151 cell 03449700800 fax413153 www.hindukush.com.pk
From: Brad Sander <bradism...@gmail.com>
Sender: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:24:32 +0700
To: Paraglide Pakistan<paraglide...@googlegroups.com>
ReplyTo: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Paraglide Pakistan 319] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
robert van den ham
Apr 19, 2012, 4:17:51 AM4/19/12
to paraglide pakistan
I totally agree with you Brad. My only reservation on going to Hunza or not is the Curfew. As long as that is in place the supply of foodstuffs is limited which will drive up the cost of living. Chital seems to be non affected by any of the current issues and will therefor be a great place to start the season. Bring it on!
> Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:16:37 -0700
> Subject: [Paraglide Pakistan 318] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
> From: bradism...@gmail.com
> To: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: [Paraglide Pakistan 318] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
> From: bradism...@gmail.com
> To: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
daniel gravier
Apr 19, 2012, 5:10:55 AM4/19/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
I have read on the online newspapers that the curfew in Gilgit has
been relaxed and it is now only in force in late afternoon and at
night.
been relaxed and it is now only in force in late afternoon and at
night.
For me the biggest hurdle at the minute is to obtain the visa. Once it
is sorted out, I think there will be enough time to have an objective
assessment of where it is best to go.
Daniel
Jabbar Bhatti
Apr 20, 2012, 2:18:53 PM4/20/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Hi All,
There is little to add after Brads comments. The problem at the moment is restricted to travel by road to Gilgit. However generally it is being advised not to travel to Gilgit at this moment. Situation is improving very fast and local administration and population can not afford such situation for long, for tourist season is at hand. Such ethinc clashes had occured in the past and every time the same period of year and same area (?????) but are resolved before bulk of tourists start moving in that is May.
Anyway Chitral, Booni, Shandur, Yasin, Gupis, following different route, have no problem at all. And by the time our friends are around, believably there shall be no issue of travelling to Gilgit also. More over everywhere we have paragliding community to look after, who just want you to be there.
Another news: I have been offered to lead an expedition to Spantik Peak in June 2012.
Blue skies!!!
Waitig for a grand paragliding gathering...
Jabbar Bhatti
Brad Sander
Apr 20, 2012, 11:23:27 PM4/20/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Jabbar thank you for the insightful update, Siraj thank you for making time to post.
You know what? I've seen a vision. I will share it with you. We are flying at 7000 meters, cloud streets like pancakes and highways stretch before
Us in every direction, everything you imagine is possible, you will go in many directions. YOU WILL EXCEED ALL I HAVE EVER DONE. I will be jealous but I will be happy for you. But really all you feel in your heart will fall short to what my heart has felt in these skies during my flights. I have felt tears and sobbing at the beauty. And when you land the people you meet will inspire you to go home and be a better person, because I desire to live with the honor every Pakistani conducts themselves.
Us in every direction, everything you imagine is possible, you will go in many directions. YOU WILL EXCEED ALL I HAVE EVER DONE. I will be jealous but I will be happy for you. But really all you feel in your heart will fall short to what my heart has felt in these skies during my flights. I have felt tears and sobbing at the beauty. And when you land the people you meet will inspire you to go home and be a better person, because I desire to live with the honor every Pakistani conducts themselves.
It will be hard but you will soon understand what I mean by These world.
Please remember to take lots of pictures and update your journals every day.
There is no better time to come to the most amazing flying site in the world!
Bring on Pakistan 2012
And Jabbar just send us your dates, to be on Spantik, we will fly over and take pictures of you!
Sent from my iPhone
grey hamilton
Apr 21, 2012, 4:39:02 AM4/21/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Hi Brad and everyone coming to pakistan and all the gr8 Pakistani pilots! What an awesome vision Brad, I can close my eyes now and see endless snow capped mountains and epic skies... Can hardly wait!. Arriving around 12 May..looking forward to meeting up for some great flying... C u there!....Grey
Subject: Re: [Paraglide Pakistan 325] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
From: bradism...@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:23:27 +0700
To: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Paraglide Pakistan 325] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
From: bradism...@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:23:27 +0700
To: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Dmitry Enkov
May 8, 2012, 7:21:01 AM5/8/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Hi Gray! I will arrived in ISB 15 May... Please will say about you plans... Dmitry
21.04.2012 14:24 пользователь "grey hamilton" <nimb...@hotmail.com> написал:
grey hamilton
May 9, 2012, 11:17:14 PM5/9/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Hi to Dimitry, Sajjad, Jabbar and other visiting pilots, I'm planning on arriving to Islamabad, travelling over land from India, on the 13/14 May...looking forward to seeing you Dmitry when you arrive!....Grey
Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 17:06:01 +0545
Subject: RE: [Paraglide Pakistan 329] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
From: wayfox....@gmail.com
To: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 17:06:01 +0545
Subject: RE: [Paraglide Pakistan 329] Should I cancel my trip to Pakistan?
From: wayfox....@gmail.com
To: paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Dmitry Enkov
May 10, 2012, 2:54:35 AM5/10/12
to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
Ok Gray.. I will arrived early morning 15 may.. please wait me and we will go to Chitral togaver
10.05.2012 9:02 пользователь "grey hamilton" <nimb...@hotmail.com> написал:
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