Despite Pakistan being home to breathtaking landscapes, ancient civilizations, and frequently being referred to as one of the most hospitable countries on earth by travel bloggers, it remains one of the most misunderstood travel destinations. Media and political narratives, as well as stereotypes, often overshadow the reality of Pakistan’s as well as many other countries.
In this post, we’re debunking 10 common misconceptions about Pakistan, so it can become your next travel destination.
1. Pakistan is too dangerous to visit
This is the most common fear expressed online, many people think Pakistan is unsafe to visit because either due to political instability or because of the media’s ‘terror hotbed stereotype’ . However, travelers who have actually visited Pakistan frequently post follow-up content saying safety was their biggest surprise.
Like most countries, Pakistan has regions that are stable and regularly visited, and others that require caution. Local authorities and tourism operators prioritise safety for visitors.
2. Everyone in Pakistan is a terrorist or an extremist
This narrative is rooted in decades-old geopolitical framing. On social media, Pakistani creators constantly push back by showing everyday life: families, food, humour, fashion, art, and music, things rarely highlighted in headlines.
If you need further convincing, head to YouTube and type in Coke Studio Pakistan…trust us when we say your life will never be the same.
3. There’s nothing to see in Pakistan
Social media tends to spotlight either dramatic mountains or dusty stereotypes, rarely both. Pakistan is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, including the Karakoram Range, glaciers, alpine lakes, deserts, and lush valleys. From the world’s second-highest peak, K2, to serene valleys like Skardu and Kalash.
Pakistan also has vibrant and developed cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar where travelers can walk through history, try staples from the Pakistani cuisine, and just hang out.
4. Pakistanis aren’t friendly
Stereotypes sometimes paint Pakistanis as cold or unwelcoming, but hospitality is central to Pakistani culture. One of the most common comments from travellers after visiting Pakistan is how overwhelmingly welcome they felt. Hospitality content often goes viral because it so strongly contradicts expectations.
5. No one speaks English
The British colonised the Indian subcontinent for nearly 200 years, English was unfortunately imposed upon the people of the subcontinent. Alongside Urdu, English remains one of the two official languages of Pakistan.
Many travellers comment online that Pakistan was easier to navigate linguistically than expected. English is widely spoken in urban areas, hotels, universities, and tourist hubs. Many people also speak regional languages like Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balti.
6. Women in Pakistan have no freedom and can’t travel alone
Social media does a great job disproving this myth. Pakistani women are highly visible online, running businesses, leading movements, creating content, working in tech, media, education, and tourism. Gender challenges exist (as they do globally), but the picture is far more nuanced than stereotypes suggest.
Women travel to Pakistan independently and have rich experiences. As in many destinations, respectful behaviour, common-sense planning, and cultural awareness help ensure a smooth visit.
Some local Pakistani women might face familial or societal pressure to not travel alone however, they are pushing back against this with women like Hamnah Aamir and Zenith Irfan leading the way.
7. Pakistan has strict dress codes
Dress norms vary regionally. In big cities, fashion is eclectic and modern. In more conservative or rural areas, modest attire is preferred, but simple respect for local customs goes a long way.
Many of our guests are frequently surprised by how fashionable Pakistanis are. If you would like to see this firsthand, join one of our tours or head over to the webpages of fashion brands like Khaadi, Sapphire or Elan.
8. You can’t eat well in Pakistan
Pakistani food is bold, diverse, and packed with flavour. From Lahore’s famous street food to the traditional delicacies of Karachi and rich mountain cuisines in the north, food is a highlight of travel in Pakistan.
9. Pakistan has one homogenous culture
Pakistan is one of the world’s most diverse nations. Multiple ethnic groups, languages (80 established languages to be precise), customs, and traditions thrive alongside each other, making the country a rich mosaic of human history and heritage.
10. Travel influencers show the whole truth
This is a newer misconception. Pakistani social media users frequently point out that some influencer content over-romanticises the country, skipping challenges, rules, or cultural sensitivities. Responsible travel requires more than just aesthetic clips.
Pakistan, like all countries on earth, exists in nuances. Good and bad exist and people struggle with day-to-day living despite travel influencers bragging about how cheap Pakistan is. Also, a PSA, just visiting the north of Pakistan does not mean you can definitively speak about the whole country :).
Pakistan is SO much more than the negative stereotypes that are pushed through the media and politics. If you’ve ever wondered whether Pakistan is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes. The real Pakistan is friendly, beautiful, diverse, and endlessly fascinating.
We are running three trips (so far) to Pakistan this year, so if you’re ready and curious enough to learn about Pakistan beyond the stereotypes make sure you secure your spot today because these are our most popular tours! And don’t forget to check out our recommended reading list for Pakistan!
