“Do not travel to Balochistan Province or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP), including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism,” the US said in its advisory.
It has also advised citizens to avoid travelling near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and potential armed conflict.
According to the US advisory, violent extremist groups continue to plan attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, it said.
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“Large-scale terrorist attacks have caused numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are common. Terrorism and continued violence by extremist elements have resulted in indiscriminate attacks against civilians as well as local military and law enforcement targets. Terrorists may strike with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have attacked U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past,” the advisory reads.
The United States said being near a demonstration can lead to scrutiny by Pakistani security forces. American citizens have been arrested for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of the Pakistani government, military or officials. Internet and mobile phone service disruptions are common, especially during protests, it said.
In its updated travel advisory, following a regular review, the US has classified the country at Level 3, meaning “reconsider travel.” It is just one step below the final category of Level 4, which is “do not travel.” Level 4 has been applied to areas of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and FATA, as well as the immediate vicinity of the Line of Control.
Things to keep in mind if you decide to travel to Pakistan, according to the US advisory:
-Visit the U.S. Department of State website for travel to high-risk areas.
– Keep an eye on local media for up-to-the-minute developments and be prepared to adjust your plans.
-Vary your routes and travel times.
-Stay aware of your surroundings, especially around public markets, restaurants, police facilities, places of worship, government and military institutions, and other locations.
– Stay alert to local events. Avoid demonstrations or other mass gatherings.
-Have evacuation plans that do not depend on assistance from the U.S. government.
-Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
-Get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuations.
-Check local laws and conditions before traveling.
-Share important documents, login information, and contact points with your loved ones so they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned. Find a suggested list of such documents here.
-Develop a communication plan with the family and/or your host employer or organization.
-Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in case of emergency.
-Follow the State Department on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.
-Review Pakistan’s Country Security Report.
-U.S. citizens traveling abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergencies.
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