List of Prohibited Areas for Indian Nationals in Pakistan

If you’re an Indian citizen planning to travel to Pakistan, it’s important to be aware of the areas where travel is restricted or prohibited. These locations are sensitive due to military activity, border security, or strategic significance. Violating these restrictions can result in serious legal consequences, including deportation and visa cancellation.

Below is a detailed list of regions where Indian nationals are not allowed to visit in Pakistan.

Prohibited Regions in Pakistan for Indian Citizens on Visa

1. Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)

Entire region is restricted for Indian nationals
A 10-mile zone along the Line of Control (LoC) is strictly off-limits

2. Balochistan Province

Indian nationals are not allowed in the following areas:

Quetta, Sibi, and Kalat Divisions (except Quetta city)
Quetta-Chaman Road
Quetta-Ziarat Road, including Ziarat
Quetta-Zahidan Road
Quetta-Zhob-Jacobabad-Sukkur Road
Zahidan-Quetta-Loralai-Dera Ghazi Khan Road
Industrial areas of Hub-Chowki and Uthal (Lasbela District)

Northern Areas and Karakoram Highway

Restricted Zones:

10-mile zone along the Line of Control
30-mile belt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Wakhan region
Entire Northern Areas, except:
- Karakoram Highway from Gircha to Bara Khun is permitted
Off-road or side-road travel is prohibited within 30 miles of this area

Military and Cantonment Restrictions

Prohibited Military Zones:

All areas signposted as “Prohibited Areas”
Isolated cantonments such as:
- Kharian
- Gujranwala
- Shorkot
Cantonment areas that merge with civil zones (only civil areas, roads, markets, hotels, and airports are accessible) in:
- Peshawar
- Rawalpindi
- Lahore
- Nowshera

Border Zone Restrictions

Indo-Pakistan Border:

A 10-mile restricted belt along the entire border
Exception: Travel permitted via Wagah border or any other authorized check post

Pakistan-Afghanistan Border:

A 10-mile restricted belt across most of the border
30-mile restricted belt in Chitral district bordering Wakhan, Afghanistan

Pakistan-China Border:

A 10-mile belt along the entire Pakistan-China border is restricted

Tribal and Special Areas

The following tribal regions are prohibited for Indian citizens:

Kurram Agency
North Waziristan and South Waziristan
Bajaur, Kot, and Agra (Malakand Division)
Nagdara and Usheri Darra (Dir District)
Mohmand Agency (except Warsak Dam and Powerhouse)
Khyber Agency (except Peshawar-Torkham Road)
Tribal areas attached to Kohat District and Dara Adam Khel (including gun factories)
Special tribal zones attached to Bannu and D.I. Khan District

Additional Restricted Zones

Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi
Main Channel and PIDC Channel north of Nine Green Buoy (excluding Yari Creek)

Important Notes for Indian Travelers

Indian nationals must avoid any prohibited zone as mentioned above.
Entering restricted areas without proper permissions can lead to legal action, visa cancellation, or deportation.
It is highly recommended to consult with the Pakistani embassy or an authorized travel agent before planning your trip.

Source NADRA Pakistan

FAQs: Travel Restrictions in Pakistan for Indian Nationals

Q1: Can Indian tourists visit Quetta?
Yes, Quetta city is allowed, but nearby areas such as Sibi and Kalat Divisions are restricted.

Q2: Is the Karakoram Highway open to Indian citizens?
Yes, but only the stretch from Thakot to Khunjerab Pass is allowed. No travel off the highway is permitted within 30 miles of the route.

Q3: Are Indian nationals allowed to visit the Northern Areas of Pakistan?
No, except for the portion of the Karakoram Highway running through the region. The rest of the Northern Areas are restricted.

Q4: Can Indians visit Pakistan’s borders?
Most border areas are prohibited except official crossings like the Wagah border.

Q5: Can Indian citizens travel to the Tribal Areas?
No, all tribal regions, including Waziristan, Bajaur, and others, are off-limits.