US State Department Issues Stern Travel Advisory For Pakistan’s High-Risk Areas- wna24
Washington: The US State Department has issued a level 4 travel advisory, warning Americans against travelling to Pakistan due to the high risk of terrorism and possible armed conflict. The advisory, issued on Friday, underlined the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as high-risk areas, citing the presence of extremist groups and the frequency of terrorist attacks. The advisory also warns against travelling to the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control (LoC), due to the potential for armed conflict and the presence of militant groups. This advisory is the highest level of warning issued by the US government.
The US State Department’s advisory stressed on the growing concern of terrorism and armed conflict in Pakistan. “Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which include the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA),” the advisory stated. The department also noted that large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent.
The US administration officials stated that the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are considered high-risk areas due to the presence of extremist groups. The advisory warns against travelling to these provinces, citing the risk of terrorism and armed conflict. “Do not travel to Balochistan province for any reason. Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces,” the advisory stated.
The immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the LoC is also considered a high-risk area due to the potential for armed conflict. The advisory warns against travelling to this region, citing the presence of militant groups and the strong military presence of both India and Pakistan. “Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including areas along the Line of Control for any reason. Militant groups are known to operate in the area,” the advisory said.
The US State Department’s advisory stressed the importance of US citizen safety in Pakistan. The department recommends that US citizens reconsider travel to Pakistan due to the high risk of terrorism and armed conflict. US citizens who must travel to Pakistan are advised to exercise extreme caution and to stay informed about local conditions.
Pakistan has struggled with terrorism and armed conflict for decades, with various extremist groups operating in the country. The US State Department’s advisory notes that terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, and that large-scale attacks have resulted in numerous casualties.
The India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control have long been a source of tension between the two countries. The US State Department’s advisory warns against traveling to this region, citing the potential for armed conflict and the presence of militant groups.