The U.S. State Department on Tuesday ordered all non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks, while noting there was no change to the status of the Islamabad Embassy.
In a statement, the State Department noted an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran following the launch of joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Additionally, it noted a risk of terrorist violence in Pakistan, particularly Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, though it said attacks had 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.
The State Department warned that local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit, adding U.S. citizens had been detained for participating in such protests. “You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials,” it said, while describing the country’s security environment as “fluid.”
The advisory notes that Washington has a limited ability to assist or provide services to U.S. citizens in KP, Balochistan, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. It said U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization from the host government to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, adding they are generally prohibited from attending most large gatherings, such as political rallies or religious ceremonies.
It further stated acknowledged the limited ability to provide consular services to arrested or detained dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens. “Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan,” it added.
The advisory warns against any travel to Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the vicinity of the Line of Control, stressing the restive security situations of those areas.
It advises U.S. citizens to review all available information prior to traveling to Pakistan; avoiding displays of wealth; avoiding demonstrations and crowds; and keeping travel documents up to date and easily accessible. It also advises any U.S. citizens in Pakistan to devise plans to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.