Key Indicators:
Confidence in Local Police, Safety walking alone at night, Homicide Cases per 100,000 Population, Global Terrorism Index, Organized Violence Deaths per 100,000 Population.
Note: This pillar measures the extent to which a country exposes locals, tourists, and businesses to security risks
The T&T Development Index 2024 ranks Pakistan at 106 in 119 economies, with a score of 4.53 in Safety and Security.[59] The Global Terrorism Index 2024 also ranks Pakistan 4 out of 163 countries with an overall score of 7.92/10.[60] According to the report, Pakistan recorded the most incidents of any country, with 490 attacks recorded, which is a 34% (356 to 490 attacks) increase from the previous year. Similarly, the number of deaths rose by 35% (509 to 689 deaths). The ranking shows that Pakistan has moved up by three places and is the worst rank after 2016.[61]
If we look at the Global Peace Index 2024, the country ranking improved from 142 to 140 out of 163 countries.[62]
The ranking of the key indicator Confidence in Local Police is 109 by the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, which shows how people have very little confidence in the police. In a survey of the local population in Punjab, Pakistan (Sheikhupura and Nankana districts), only 25% of participants stated they had faith in the police. This placed the police department at the bottom of the list, ranking all other services, including the courts.[63]
In Pakistan, the public largely distrusts the police, who are frequently criticized in the media for their heavy-handed approach. While high-ranking officers often blame political interference for these issues, the problem may extend beyond mere politicization.
The police in Pakistan are shaped by a colonial legacy that emphasizes control and suppression rather than serving the public. This “ruler” mentality persists, leading to abuse of power and disregard for civilian rights.[64]
Safety Walking Alone at Night is a cause for concern. While the ranking (by the TTDI, 2024) has improved to 72 as compared to the 2019 ranking (74). The study of Gallup Pakistan also shows concerning data, that only 51% of the female respondents feel safe or confident while walking alone at night compared to 71% of the male respondents,[65] which shows gender differences in the safety and security of the population. This suggests that despite being perceived as slightly safer than before, Pakistan still faces challenges in ensuring people feel secure walking alone at night.
Looking into the ranking of the indicator Homicide Cases per 100,000 Population, the country ranks 79 out of 119 economies (by TTDI, 2024). Pakistan’s homicide rate increased by 7.53% from 3.9 occurrences per 100,000 people the year before to 4.2 cases per 100,000 people in 2022[66] which highlights a potential rise in homicide rates.
Pakistan’s ranking on the indicator Global Terrorism Index remains the second worst at 118 (by TTDI, 2024). The indicator Organized Violence Deaths per 100,000 Population is ranked at 101 in 119 economies.
While there are some positive developments, like a rise in the peace index, Pakistan faces significant challenges in improving overall safety and security. The decline in the overall score and worsening homicide and organized violence rates paint a concerning picture. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating a safer environment for all citizens, especially for tourists.
As we all know when selecting a destination, safety and security are among the most crucial considerations; hence, the frequency of terrorist incidents will decrease the number of visitors. This may have negative effects on the travel and tourism industry as well as other industries that are either directly or indirectly related to it.[67]
Security concerns are a major deterrent for tourists considering Pakistan. To attract more visitors, the government must enhance safety measures.
Collaboration between the government and private sector is crucial for implementing effective safety protocols and emergency response plans. Training local authorities and tourism staff to manage security situations and promoting a welcoming atmosphere can further reassure and attract tourists.[68]
Recently, to ensure the safety of foreign and local tourists, police personnel have been deployed at key hotels and bridges along the Karakoram Highway in Bisham, KP. Following a security assessment, officers have been stationed across a 36-kilometer stretch within the Shangla district of KP with strict instructions to remain vigilant.[69]