Islamabad Travel?
I have been reflecting on life and other things the last couple of days. I was scheduled for a meeting with the Pakistan government last weekend in Islamabad and yes, I was registered to stay at the Marriott. Last week, I received a message postponing the meeting until November. If it wasn’t for that twist of fate, I might have been one of those killed or injured. It makes me think of how truly fragile life can be.
I am truly sorry for those who lost family or friends in the blast, while at the same time being thankful that I was not there. Will I go in November? Well that remains to be seen. My boss has left it at my discretion. Needless to say, I am taking measures for my own security, if I go, and have added numerous conditions of my appearance there in Islamabad. If the political situation worsens, I will not go. I have a new wife to think of. There are very severe business consequences to not going. I’m trying to move the meeting to Paris or Dubai, but it simply may not be possible… The presentation is in front of 40 people and getting everyone together will be very difficult.
Most places I visit on business are safe for travel… I’m usually in no more danger than a bad case of Delhi Belly… But there are exceptions, and, yes, I have stayed in hotels where there were previous bombings (Aden, Jakarta, Mumbai, Delhi, and Doha). All of them, except the one in Aden, added significant security after the incidents. In Aden, a bombing did not occur, but rather summary executions by rival militias during the civl war.In other words, I do not let the possibility of danger influence my behavior… If I cancel a trip, the radicals get what they want, which is fear and disruption. However, I am not reckless. It is a question of real risk versus the perception of risk. Can they be separated? I’m not entirely certain.
This piece could easily degenerate into a discussion of politics as to the why things happen or the “well you shouldn’t be going there”. As to politics, yes, I believe the US has mucked things up. Yes, I believe their actions have created more problems than have been solved. I also don’t believe that the upcoming election will change anything… There are limited options and courses of action, and someone will be angry no matter what is done.
As to the “you shouldn’t be there anyway” argument, remember that the world is largely a single economy and entity these days…Isolationism has not worked for over a century. Risk is present all over the world. The bombings in London, Spain, and New York all proved that nowhere is completely “safe” anymore.
So, I close this article with the question: “What would you do in my position?”
Hi John M. -
One can never be too careful. Having come close myself (IRA bombing in London during the 70s that occured about half an hour before I would have been “right there”) the need to look over my shoulder and take other precautions have always been top concerns when travelling.
Side note on another danger: Hope that you and your family had/are having similar good fortune as the latest typhoon (Nina/Hagupit) passed by Abulug.
The “bamboo grapevine” is working overtime here, getting reports from Ilocos Norte. So far, so good.
Just the name of that place is ominous! Islamabad? Chamber of Commerce dropped the ball on that one! I have heard some reports that the new prime minister might be trying to score some pr points by creating a notion that the govt of Pakistan does not endorse the actions of the US. They just want the military budget. They are doing this in an attempt to quell the attacks against them as conspiritors in the war on terror. So be careful if you go there because maybe the govt of Pakistan has helped to paint the bullseye on your back. Hopefully you can manage a meeting in a safer location. You might even have trouble getting a flight there. British Airways have suspended flights there. A fat wallet is of no importance when you are taking a dirt nap! Take Care!
Hi John Miele, I have been in several “dangerous” countries during the 1970s and 1980s (Israel, Golan Heights, Egypt, South Africa during apartheid, even in parts of L.A. at night joining a party of blacks being the only white guy). I developed a “sixth or seventh sense or mind” (as a German saying goes). It worked - that’s why I got through and survived every situation… . Take care john…
Hi John - Without a doubt, I’d go. Of course, you must take security measures into mind, but I have no doubt that you can safely go there, unless the situation worsens greatly before November.
That’s a tough one. I think you would need to plan your trip with military precision, if ever. By going there, you would expose yourself with every possible danger that awaits you there. Extreme care, my friend.
Hi John M.,
Have you considered the possibility of setting up a teleconferencing meeting. Or is this one of those things where you need to seen in person?
If you have one of those Arab outfits the Saudi sheiks like to wear now’s the time to use it!
With u on this one, I’d go as long as its relativley safe…I always devise a plan…never get a room higher on than the second floor, always away from parking lot if possible, know the exits and what AFTER them ( i.e. buildings , fields, fences ect..) have cloths & papers ready. know route to next point of safety, put small backpack with water, food for 1 day and a 9mm glock cocked and locked if able. Not that I’m paranoid but old habits die hard.
May I ask John what it is you specifically do for a living that affords you so much business travel. And why are you settled here.
Rich: I am the sales director (global) for a company that makes computers for ships. Half my customers are military and half are shipping / oil companies. I am getting married this week and moved here for my Filipina fiancee. I can do my job from anywhere near an airport.