US advises nationals to defer Pakistan travel

The state department in an advisory to US nationals ahead of an opposition march in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on 14 August warned that the presence of several foreign and indigenous terrorist groups pose a threat to US citizens throughout Pakistan.

Across the country, terrorist attacks frequently occur against civilian, government, and foreign targets, the warning said.

The Pakistan government, it said, maintains heightened security measures, particularly in the major cities.

The advisory indicates terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where US citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit.

Terrorists and criminal groups regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom, the travel warning said.

“Protests against the United States are not uncommon and have the potential to turn violent. US citizens in Pakistan are strongly advised to avoid all protests and large gatherings,” the State Department advisory added.