DID Press: US and UK have issued fresh travel warnings to their citizens in Pakistan amid rising security tensions and deadly protests.
The United States Department of State said that following violent protests on March 1 that left at least 24 people dead across Pakistan, it ordered the departure of some staff from U.S. consulates in the cities of Lahore and Karachi. The order applies to non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members.
Citing a report by The Nation, the warning said American citizens in Pakistan face risks including armed clashes, terrorism, criminal activity, kidnapping, and violent demonstrations. The provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as areas near the Line of Control between Pakistan and India, were identified as particularly high-risk.
Despite the warnings, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad remains operational, though routine consular services in Lahore and Karachi have been temporarily suspended due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has issued a similar advisory, urging its citizens to avoid travel to large parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as well as areas near Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan and India.
The British High Commission said the warnings were prompted by rising regional tensions, the possibility of protests in major cities, and the potential disruption of flights.
British authorities also advised their citizens to avoid gatherings and demonstrations, remain vigilant, and prepare for the possibility of limited consular services during emergencies.