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US Warns Citizens: Reconsider Travel to Pakistan Over Terrorism, Kidnapping Risk

The US State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory, urging American citizens to reconsider visiting Pakistan due to high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Specific regions, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, are under a stricter Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning due to frequent violent attacks. The advisory warns that terrorist targets can include airports, hotels, markets, and places of worship, even in major cities like Karachi and Islamabad. This warning coincides with recent US visa processing suspensions impacting Pakistan and other nations, to which Pakistan's government has expressed hope for a temporary measure.

Key Points: US Issues Pakistan Travel Advisory: Terrorism, Kidnapping Warnings

  • Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for Pakistan
  • Level 4 'Do Not Travel' for Balochistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  • Terrorism and kidnapping cited as primary risks
  • US citizens warned over protests, social media posts
2 min read

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism, potential armed conflict: US advisory

US State Department urges citizens to reconsider Pakistan travel due to high terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest risks in Level 3 & 4 advisories.

"Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa... but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad. - US State Department Advisory"

Islamabad/Washington, Jan 29 The US State Department has urged American citizens planning to travel to Pakistan to reconsider their plans, citing security concerns, local media in Pakistan reported on Thursday.

In its latest advisory, the department advised travellers to think twice before visiting Pakistan due to crime, civil unrest, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping.

"Pakistan has been placed under a Level 3 advisory, a category that indicates a high risk where terrorist attacks may occur without warning. According to the State Department, typical targets include transportation hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist locations, and government buildings," reported leading Pakistani daily Dawn.

Some regions, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been designated Level 4: Do Not Travel areas.

The advisory urges US citizens not to travel to Level 4 areas "for any reason", warning that assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, particularly against government officials and private citizens. The warning also applies to US citizens of Pakistani origin, the newspaper reported.

"Do Not Travel to: Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping," the US advisory added mentioning further that "Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad".

The US State Department detailed that local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit.

"Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces. US citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials," it stated.

Earlier this month, a US State Department spokesperson announced that the Trump administration is suspending processing for immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, beginning January 21. This will impact applicants from certain countries in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America, the Balkan regions, and South Asia, with Pakistan and Bangladesh included in the list.

Reacting to the announcement of US visa curbs, Pakistan's Foreign Office reportedly expressed hope that the suspension is temporary, with possible resumption in usual processing in the near future. Until then, the backlog of applications is expected to grow, with approvals delayed despite historically strong demand.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's sad to see a neighboring country in such a state. The Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning for entire provinces is very alarming. I hope for peace and stability for the ordinary people living there. 🙏
R
Rohit P
The US is right to be cautious. We in India have seen the cross-border effects of this instability for decades. The advisory mentioning kidnapping and attacks on government buildings is a clear red flag. No tourist should take such risks.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has traveled in South Asia, this is concerning. The part about being detained for social media criticism is particularly troubling. It goes beyond security to basic freedoms. Hope the situation improves.
V
Vikram M
While the advisory is justified, one must also consider the broader context. Such travel bans and visa suspensions hurt ordinary people the most—students, families, professionals. The focus should be on tackling the root causes of extremism.
K
Karthik V
The mention of attacks in major cities like Karachi and Islamabad is key. It's not just remote areas. This level of detail from the US State Department shows their intelligence is very specific. Tourists should absolutely heed this warning.

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