Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: As tensions run high because of the US and Iran threatening each other with an “all-out war,” and the likelihood of this conflict spilling over into neighbouring Pakistan, Washington has warned Americans against travelling to Pakistan, where they “risk kidnapping, terrorism,” the media reported on Thursday.
In a travel advisory, the US also designated certain Pakistani regions, including parts of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” areas, which is the highest warning level issued by the State Department.
Pakistan is already classified as Level 3, indicating a high risk of terrorist attacks by the US State Department.
The US has urged its citizens to “reconsider travel” to Pakistan, citing security concerns, including crime, civil unrest, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping. The US State Department updated its travel advisory earlier this week, placing Pakistan under a ‘Level 3’ category that indicates a high risk of terrorist attacks.
The advisory warned US citizens that 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.”
The advisory urged Americans not to travel to Level 4 areas “for any reason,” warning that assassination and kidnapping attempts are common in such areas, particularly against government officials and private citizens. The State Department said the warning applies to US citizens of Pakistani origin as well.
It also cautioned that local laws in Pakistan prohibit demonstrations without a permit, noting that “US citizens have been detained for participating” in such activities in the past, urging people not to do so.
“You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials,” the State Department said.
The advisory comes amid a deteriorating law and order situation in Pakistan, driven by a surge in terrorism.