US issues travel advisory for Pakistan, warns citizens of terrorist attacks
- Says there was a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the country
The US has urged its citizens in Pakistan to remain cautious, saying that there was a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the country.
The United States Department issued an advisory on Wednesday, saying that violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad.
“Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings,” it said.
On March 3, the Department of State had ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks.
The US asked its nationals not to travel to KP, Balochistan and the vicinity of the Line of Control.
“Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on their respective sides of the Line of Control in the disputed territory of Kashmir,” it said.
The advisory also cautioned them against being near a protest without a permit, warning that participation might draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces.
“US citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials,” it said.
READ MORE: US citizens advised to exercise caution
Moreover, the advisory added that Pakistan’s security environment remained fluid and sometimes changed without notice and could be a serious threat.
“There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities. Security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.
The most reported crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft.”
The US said that it had a limited ability to assist or provide services to its citizens in the KP, Balochistan, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
“US government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorisation from the host government to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.”
The advisory comes as security remains high around diplomatic enclaves and consulates to prevent any potential disruption to daily operations or risks to personnel.
The development comes after at least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday in violent clashes that erupted between protesters and law enforcement personnel outside the US Consulate in Karachi, hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening salvo of a massive US and Israeli attack.
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