The US Department of State has warned its citizen of travelling to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.
Pakistan Travel Advisory level 3 issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs has asked US travellers to reconsider travel to Pakistan. The specific areas mentioned in the advisory include Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) — including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control.
“Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP), which include the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities,” read the advisory.
The US Department of State has also advised its citizens to stay away from unlawful protest demonstrations during their travel to Pakistan, adding, “Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces. US citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials.”
Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid, sometimes changing with little or no notice. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country, the advisory mentioned.
It further stated the government of Pakistan restricts the travel of US government personnel working in Pakistan.
