A Reddit post by an Australian planning to visit Karachi sparked a heated debate. While some shared manageable experiences, many warned that Karachi is unsafe even for locals. Street crime, phone snatching and weak law enforcement dominated concerns.
A Reddit post questioning whether Karachi is safe for Australians has triggered a heated online debate, drawing sharp warnings, mixed personal experiences and blunt criticism of Pakistan’s security situation.
The post was shared by an Australian user planning to visit Karachi for a wedding. While the traveller said he was excited to experience Pakistani hospitality, he also raised concerns about safety after seeing Australia’stravel advisory, which asks citizens to “reconsider the need to travel” to Pakistan.
The discussion that followed exposed deep divisions among commenters, including Pakistanis and foreigners, over how safe Karachi really is, especially for visitors.
Australian traveller raises safety fears
In his post, the Australian traveller said he was generally relaxed about travel but felt uneasy after reading official warnings and hearing stories from a friend who claimed terrorist attacks and foreigner kidnappings had occurred in Karachi.
He said he would be staying with a Pakistani family and attending wedding-related events, but wanted honest advice to avoid danger and enjoy the trip safely.
“I just want to ensure we are safe so we can enjoy the trip fully,” he wrote.
Strong warnings and blunt criticism dominate responses
Several commenters gave harsh and critical responses, openly questioning Karachi’s safety — not just for foreigners, but even for locals.
One comment read bluntly: “Mate, Pakistan is not safe for Pakistanis. What are you on about.”
Another user warned: “It’s not safe for even Pakistanis.”
Some went further, discouraging travel altogether. “Don’t come,” one reply said, while another added, “Just stay where you come from.”
These comments reflected a deep lack of confidence in law and order, with several users saying daily crime, especially robberies, is a constant risk in Karachi.
Crime fears outweigh terror concerns
While fears of terrorism were mentioned by the original poster, most replies focused on street crime rather than militant attacks.
Many users said terrorist incidents in Karachi have reduced over the past decade, but warned that mobile snatching and muggings remain common, even during daylight.
One user said, “Get ready to be robbed in broad daylight.” Another added, “Worst thing that could happen is your iPhone and wallet getting snatched — that’s it.”
Several advised the traveller to avoid holding phones openly, wear nothing flashy, and never walk alone — even for short distances.
Safety advice with strict conditions
Some commenters said Karachi can be manageable but only under strict conditions.
They advised staying inside secure homes or hotels, travelling only by car, avoiding night outings, and never wandering alone. Even short walks were discouraged.
One user said foreigners are often safer than locals because criminals avoid attention, while another warned this belief can create false confidence.
Views from foreigners already in Karachi
A few Australians and overseas visitors currently in Karachi shared cautious experiences. One Australian said he felt fine but avoided going out late at night.
Others stressed that safety depends heavily on location, timing, and constant awareness.
Still, even supportive replies warned that street crime is real and unpredictable.
Weddings seen as safer spaces
Several users said weddings are usually well-protected and unlikely to be targeted. However, they warned that travel to and from events still carries risks.
One comment said, “Nobody messes with weddings but don’t wander at 3 am.”
Mixed tone, but fear remains central
Although some comments used humour or sarcasm, the overall tone of the discussion showed unease. Even those defending Karachi admitted that caution is essential and that crime is part of daily life.
The thread highlighted how Pakistan’s image abroad continues to suffer due to safety concerns, despite claims of improvement.