Pakistan border: Open? Closed? Gone?
 

Does anyone know whether the Pakistan-india border is open for overlanders? We have been told by the Indian Embassy in Tehran that it's closed but they are'nt exactly bipartisan! Accurate info is hard to get. There are 3 bikes here that need to airfreight from Tehran - Delhi otherewise http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/mad.gif

George

I'm afraid news reports I've read in The Economist and other newspapers state all transport links between India and Pakistan have been severed and the border crossing point is closed. A photo-journalist friend of mine who does work in both countries confirms this. Having said that, I do not know of anyone in the area at the moment who could also confirm this but, in the circumstances, I would be surprised if the border crossing was open.

Good luck with finding an alternative route.

Stephan

PS

I've just looked at www.fco.gov.uk which does not suggest the border is closed to overlanders so maybe it is just closed to Pakistani and Indian nationals. It seems I can only add to the confusion...

[This message has been edited by Stephan Solon (edited 29 May 2002).]

George,

The India/Pak broder is open or at last it was when I crossed on 20th May. The Indians all said it was closed, because for them it is; but it is open for foriegners with private vehicles.

Both India and Pak officials were friendly and presented no problems. And considering there are a million troops on the Line of Control I did not see hardly any military activity either.

Pakistan is great, perople are very friendly and hospitable, although I did feel some underlying tension in northern areas.

I am headed back to the UK so maybe we'll pass each other in Iran....

Cheers,
Graham.

Its open!

Thanks Stephan and Graham. Spud and I crossed the border 3 days ago without any problems whatsoever. In fact, I was interviewed by Indian TV for the news and we appeared in 3 national newspapers as lots of reporters were hanging around to interview a minister who never showed up!

Am now in Shimla and heading towards Nepal so sadly Graham we'll have to meet up another time.

regards

George