The United States has asked its nationals to reconsider visiting Pakistan due to terrorism.
The State Department in the latest advisory said some areas in the South Asian country — Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) — have increased risk, due to terrorism and kidnapping.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, it said, is also known for 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 US 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 department said the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Pakistan due to the security environment. Travel by US 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 US Consulate General in Peshawar is unable to provide any consular services to US citizens.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Pakistan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), the advisory said. (UNI)
