Amending its travel advisory for Pakistan, the United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travelling to Pakistan, citing the threat of terrorism. The advisory mentions the India-Pakistan border and the “proximity” to the Line of Control because of the potential for terrorism and armed conflict, and also mentions the restive Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) because of the threat of terrorist activities.
In its updated travel advisory issued on Tuesday after periodic review, the US has classified the country under Level 3, which means “reconsider travel”. This is just one step below the last Level 4 category, which is “do not travel”. Level 4 has been imposed in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA regions as well as areas around the Line of Control.
The advisory said Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid, “sometimes changing with little or no notice,” and violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in the country.
The advisory said, “Large-scale terrorist attacks have caused many casualties, and small-scale attacks occur frequently. Ongoing violence by terrorist and extremist elements has resulted in indiscriminate attacks against civilians as well as local military and police targets. Terrorists may attack without warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.”
It added, “Local law prohibits protests or demonstrations without a permit. Proximity to a protest may attract scrutiny from Pakistani security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and posting content on social media that is considered critical of the Pakistani government, military, or authorities. Internet and mobile phone service disruptions are common, particularly during protests.”
Regarding Balochistan, the advisory said extremist groups have carried out deadly terrorist attacks, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, terrorist and insurgent groups have targeted government officials and civilians.
“Assassinations and kidnapping attempts are common, including targeting polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel,” the advisory said of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including former FATA.
Regarding the area around the Line of Control on the Pakistan border, the advisory said that there are known movements of terrorist groups in the area and India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border.
