US asks citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan owing to terrorism, sectarian violence

The United States has asked its citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan in the light of the coronavirus outbreak, sectarian violence, and terrorism.

In a travel advisory issued on Jan 25, the US administration said it “has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Pakistan due to the security environment”.

The US also asked its citizens not to visit Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tribal districts, and the areas in close proximity to the Line of Control due to militant threats.

The advisory is “reissued after periodic review with edits regarding sectarian violence”.

COVID-19 IN PAKISTAN:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Pakistan due to COVID-19, according to the advisory.

“The government of Pakistan has lifted stay-at-home orders and allowed the resumption of intercity domestic travel and mass transit services in most cities. Travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, business closures, and other restrictions can be reintroduced at any time within Pakistan due to COVID-19.”

BALOCHISTAN AND KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA:

The US asked its citizens not to travel to Balochistan due to “terrorist groups, an active separatist movement, sectarian conflicts, and deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, government offices, and security forces”. “In 2019, several bombings occurred in Balochistan province that resulted in injuries and deaths,” it said.

About KP, it said that “active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces”. “Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams,” it said, asking the citizens to avoid these areas.

LINE OF CONTROL:

It also mentioned the Line of Control, saying “militant groups operate in the area”.

“India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. Indian and Pakistani military forces periodically exchange gunfire and artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC),” it said, asking the citizens to avoid the border.