ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) — The US Department of State has issued a travel advisory for Pakistan, urging people to reconsider visiting the country “due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.”
The Level 3 travel advisory cautions American citizens from entering Pakistan, while the two risky provinces and territories along the de facto border between the Pakistani and Indian sectors of Kashmir are classified as Level 4 dangers.
“Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan,” the statement read.
“Do not travel to Balochistan Province or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Do not travel to Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, which include the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism,” it reads. Travelers are advised to avoid areas near the India-Pakistan border and Line of Control due to terrorism and probable military confrontation.
The warning stated that extremist organizations might strike with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, retail malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and government facilities.
It further said that forbidden armed groups have previously targeted US diplomats and diplomatic sites.
“Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid, sometimes changing with little or no notice,” the caution said.
It warned that the US government has limited capacity to provide services to US citizens in KP, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and most other areas outside of large cities.
“Due to the risks, US government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi,” according to a statement.
