Balochistan Travel Answers

Generally speaking it is not safe :-( But depends on where you would like to go? And where are you from? I have been to Baluchistan - as an ordinary traveler - quite a few times in the recent past and did not feel any security threats personally. Baluchistan is a big province so generalization would not always work. It is very very thinly populated contrary to the rest of the country, which brings its own issues especially regarding civic amenities. If you have local support than 90% if your concerns can be mitigated, imo.. And if you can share a little bit more info than myself - and other VTers - would be in a better position to share their views.

If some of your friends are professional journalists then they should get in touch with fellow journalists from the area and seek advice there, since they will know what the situation is for journalists who often face different kinda problems than ordinary travellers. I know there is an international network for journalists where they can seek advice and help from fellow collges worldwide and i think they should try and use that. And good luck with your adventure and greetings from here.

Things which you may like to do it to make it safe: 1) get some kind of local support 2) tray to be low profile; this includes wearing shalwar kameez 3) try to make a clear itinerary with traveling time between each destination 4) do not drive long distances in the dark 5) Always keep drinking water and food with you so that you don't end up finding in the middle of a journey 6) From my experience, I observed that people take journalists warmly as they thing that reporters will communicate their miseries to the outside world. But don't take sides. 7) Enroute, you will find many security check-posts, always ask them about the situation in the area you are heading towards. I tried this and mostly got good advice. 8) Get a good map of Baluchistan and try to grasp that especially the road network and bigger towns. 9) Keep sufficient extra fuel with you especially if you are going off-highway So these are some of the suggestions. Hope this is helpful. Btw, there is an excellent local travel forum, where you may get more insight from frequent travelers and locals: pakwheels.com/forums/road-tr...

@cachaseiro: looks like that they are not professional journalists. I know a plenty of local journalist personally and it is piece of cake for them! In fact journalists enjoy a lot of clout in Pakistan, maybe more then the politicians do, because of the recent media boom in the country..

Bonjour from Chitral, Please keep an eye on the situation in Baluchistan, that seems in a terrible condition these days. I'd be 2nd to say to be in touch with some fellow journalists in Quetta and other parts of Baluchistan. Good luck ,

Any updates from the Baluchistan trip ?