Guwahati: The United States has advised its people from travelling to high-risk areas of Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian strife.
The US has advised its citizens not to travel to Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, including the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping, according to a Level 3 travel advisory released on Thursday.
It was advised that due to the threat of terrorism and the possibility of armed conflict, the area immediately surrounding the Line of Control is dangerous. Terrorists may attack with little or no notice, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist destinations, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities, according to the advisory, which warned its citizens that terrorist groups are still planning attacks in Pakistan.
It alerted the public to the fact that terrorists have previously targeted US diplomats and diplomatic buildings and encouraged them to be wary of their surroundings and local happenings.
“A local history of terrorism and ongoing ideological aspirations of violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian as well as local military and police targets. 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 numerous casualties,” it added.
The US government further noted that it has a “limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in Pakistan” due to the security environment. “Travel by US government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and additional restrictions on movements by US government personnel outside of US 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, the advisory said.
The advisory asked citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in Pakistan especially in Balochistan due to the unpredictable security situation. “Do not travel to Balochistan province. Active terrorist groups, an active separatist movement, sectarian conflicts, and deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, government offices, and security forces destabilize the province, including all major cities. In 2019, several bombings occurred in Balochistan province that resulted in injuries and deaths.”
Over travel to KPK province, it read, “Do not travel to KPK province, which includes the former FATA. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams.”