Pickpocketing in crowds in Pakistan

Liberty Market, the airport, bus stands, the railway station, Anarkali, Ichra shopping centre, and Mall Road.

How it works

A thief takes a wallet, phone, or other small item while you are close to other people. Crowds can make the theft hard to notice.

Warning signs

People are pressing closely around you.
Your bag is open or your phone or wallet is easy to reach.

How to avoid it

Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
Keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets.
Carry only the cash you need for the outing.
Check your belongings after moving through a crowded entrance or queue.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing, and report the theft. Freeze missing cards and secure a stolen phone as soon as possible.

Get to a safe, staffed public place. Do not chase a thief or continue a confrontation.
Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards, contact your card issuer, and secure or remotely lock a stolen phone.
Save receipts, booking details, messages, and photos. Write down the time, place, amount, and a description of what happened.
Report theft, threats, or fraud to the police. Ask for a report or reference number and keep a copy.
Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need urgent assistance. Tell your insurer and any booking or payment provider involved.

Where it happensLiberty Market, the airport, bus stands, the railway station, Anarkali, Ichra shopping centre, and Mall Road.Lahore

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in PakistanBag snatching: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing in crowds scam in Pakistan?

A thief takes a wallet, phone, or other small item while you are close to other people. Crowds can make the theft hard to notice.

How can I spot it early?

People are pressing closely around you. Your bag is open or your phone or wallet is easy to reach.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in crowds in Pakistan?

Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets. Carry only the cash you need for the outing. Check your belongings after moving through a crowded entrance or queue.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing, and report the theft. Freeze missing cards and secure a stolen phone as soon as possible.

Where in Pakistan does this happen?

Liberty Market, the airport, bus stands, the railway station, Anarkali, Ichra shopping centre, and Mall Road. It has been reported in Lahore.

How common is this scam in Pakistan?

Occasional. The main tourist traps in Pakistan are inflated taxi and rickshaw fares, higher shopping prices for foreigners, and pressure from airport touts. Other risks include poor-quality goods sold at high prices, refilled water bottles, pickpockets in crowded parts of Lahore, and bag snatching in Karachi. Agree prices early, check what you buy, and keep your cash and phone secure.

Are there similar scams in Pakistan?

Yes: bag snatching.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats, or fraud at a police station. Ask for a written report or reference number. For emergencies, police helpline 15 is listed; the country-wide instructions specify calling from a landline. Airport staff: for a porter dispute or pressure from touts, seek help at a staffed airport desk. Give the location and explain what was agreed or paid. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's app or official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: use its official emergency contact details for passport loss, serious threats, or difficulty obtaining help. Keep these details available before travelling. Insurer or booking provider: contact the provider through its official support channel. Keep receipts, evidence, and any police report for a claim or payment dispute.

What number do I call in an emergency in Pakistan?

Police; country-wide instructions specify a landline: 15, Ambulance; landline or mobile: 115, Ambulance and emergency rescue; Rescue 1122: 1122, Police rescue from a cellphone in Faisalabad only: 911.

Reviewed by @snuck