US issues travel advisory for citizens in Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The United States late on Tuesday introduced a new risk indicator ‘Kidnapping and Hostage taking’ for 35 countries including Pakistan.

The US State Department issued the travel advisory for its citizens and introduced a new risk indicator to the public travel advisories in order to communicate more clearly to the US citizens the risks of kidnapping and hostage taking by criminals and terrorist actors around the world.

In its travel advisory for Pakistan, the US Department of State has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.

The US has advised its citizens do not travel to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping.

The Azad Kashmir area due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities.

Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past, and information suggests they continue to do so.

Terrorist attacks continue to happen across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and KPK, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in hundreds of casualties.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Pakistan due to the security environment. Travel by U.S. government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and additional restrictions on movements by U.S. government personnel outside of U.S. diplomatic facilities may occur at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions, which can change suddenly, the statement said

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar is unable to provide any consular services to U.S. citizens.

The statement further says if the US citizens decide to travel to Pakistan they should visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

It also advised the citizens to remain aware of your surroundings and local events. Vary travel routes and timing, especially for routine trips. Minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, government and military institutions, and other locations.