US Embassy in Islamabad cautions US citizens that the security situation in the Islamabad/Rawalpindi area remains unsettled, unsafe in places, and highly fluid. Police attempted unsuccessfully to disperse protestors from the Tehreek-e-Labaik party at the Faizabad intersection, and a large number of demonstrators remain at the protest site.
Small groups of protestors have fanned out across the Islamabad and Rawalpindi metropolitan area, and groups of several hundred protestors have randomly blocked roads across the area, resulting in severe traffic disruptions. Some groups of protestors have clashed with security forces, resulting in casualties. Protestors have periodically blocked major roads to and from Islamabad airport, stranding some travellers at the airport for extended periods of time. Authorities remain concerned about the potential for ongoing protests in and around Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Access to the Islamabad government and diplomatic area (red zone) remains restricted. Police continue to restrict access to the original protest site at the Faizabad intersection and surrounding areas.
Conditions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are changing rapidly, and we urge US citizens to remain in place, if possible. All US citizens are advised to monitor the situation via local media and our website. If required to travel, avoid areas where protests are ongoing. US citizens travelling by air to Islamabad should be aware of the potential to be delayed for unspecified periods of time at the airport due to road closures and blockages.
US Embassy Islamabad will be open for limited business on Monday, November 27. Routine consular services have been suspended for Monday, but emergency services for US citizens remain available. The Embassy continues to restrict the movements of Embassy personnel in the Islamabad/ Rawalpindi area.
US citizens should carry appropriate identity documents when in Pakistan and should cooperate with police and security forces in any encounter. It is possible that cell phone connections may be disrupted during periods of unrest.-PR
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