Explained: Why US is telling citizens to avoid Pakistan
What's the story
The United States has issued a "Level 3" travel advisory for its citizens, asking them to "reconsider travel" to Pakistan. The advisory was released by the US Embassy in Islamabad and cited "armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping" as reasons for the warning. The Department of State also ordered non-emergency US government employees and their families from consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave due to safety risks.
Travel restrictions
Advisory issued amid border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan
The advisory specifically asked American nationals to avoid Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province due to terrorism threats. It also advised against approaching the Line of Control because of potential armed conflict. This comes amid border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both countries exchanging gunfire along their shared border.
Humanitarian impact
UN reports thousands displaced due to border conflict
The United Nations has reported that over 100,000 Afghans and thousands of Pakistanis have been displaced due to the ongoing border conflict. The UN refugee agency said, "Clashes along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan have forced thousands of families to flee." Tensions remain high as protests near US embassies in Pakistan follow the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes.
Security measures
US embassies on high alert amid protests
In response to the protests, US embassies in Pakistan have been put on high alert. The embassy in Islamabad canceled all visa appointments through Friday due to Iranian protests. Similar actions were taken by the US Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi. At least 10 people were killed in Karachi and two in Islamabad during protests against Khamenei's killing, prompting Pakistani law enforcement to use teargas shelling and baton charges to control the situation.