WASHINGTON: The United States warned its citizens on Friday to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan.
This travel warning replaces the one issued on Feb 5 this year to remind US citizens of ongoing security concerns in Pakistan.
The US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General in Karachi continue to provide consular services for all US citizens in Pakistan. The US Consulate General in Peshawar no longer offers consular services and the mission in Lahore is still temporarily closed for public services.
“The presence of several foreign and indigenous terrorist groups poses a danger to US citizens throughout Pakistan. Across the country, terrorist attacks frequently occur against civilian, government and foreign targets,” the US State Department warned Americans.
The State Department acknowledged that the government of Pakistan maintained heightened security measures, particularly in the major cities.
Yes, “threat reporting indicates terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where US citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Terrorists and criminal groups regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom”.
“Protests against the United States are not uncommon and have the potential to turn violent. US citizens in Pakistan are strongly advised to avoid all protests and large gatherings.”
