The U.S. State Department last week issued an updated advisory for its citizens, advising them to “reconsider travel” to Pakistan due to terrorism and a potential for armed conflict.
The advisory, issued on Friday, specifically directs American citizens against traveling to Balochistan or Khyber-Pakthunkhwa “for any reason” due to terrorism. Additionally, it warns, the immediate vicinity of the Pak-India border and the Line of Control faces threats of terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.
The State Department notes that violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Describing small-scale attacks as “frequent,” it notes that large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in “numerous” casualties.
“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,” it warns, adding terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.
Noting that security resources and infrastructure are better placed in major cities, particularly Islamabad, it says security forces in these areas might be able to respond to any emergencies more readily compared to other areas of the country.
It further warns of a “limited ability” of the U.S. government to provide services to U.S. citizens in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
Caution for protesters
The advisory notes that Pakistani laws bar protesting without a permit, warning that U.S. 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. “Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests,” it states.
It also warns dual nationals of a “limited ability” to provide consular services to them if they have been arrested or detained. “Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan,” it adds.