Security Message for U.S. Citizens
Personal Security Reminder
October 17, 2018
The U.S. Mission in Islamabad reminds all U.S. citizens of the possibility of hazards from celebratory gunfire. Although the likelihood of being struck is relatively low, falling rounds can cause injury or death. Celebratory gunfire is most likely to occur on Friday and Saturday evenings during wedding celebrations, but can occur at any time. Weddings are frequent from October to May. Upon experiencing celebratory gunfire, move to a safe area as quickly as possible and take cover.
U.S. citizens are reminded that there is an active Travel Warning for Pakistan issued on August 1, 2018. U.S. citizens are urged to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan. The Mission reminds those U.S. citizens considering travel to or remaining in Pakistan despite this warning to:
- Inform a trusted friend of your movements in country.
- Maintain vigilant situational awareness and keep a low profile.
- Avoid large crowds, locations frequented by Westerners, and hotels that do not apply stringent security measures.
- Vary your times and routes when traveling in Pakistan.
- Verify that travel documents, visas, and residency documents remain valid and accessible at all times.
Consular services in Pakistan are available in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. The consulate in Peshawar does not provide consular services at this time.
For Further Information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Worldwide Travel Alert, the active Travel Warning for Pakistan, and Pakistan Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages.
- Contact the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, located at 50 Shahrah-E-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees (Old Empress Road), at +92 42 3603 4000. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 042 3603 4000.) This number is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in the province of Punjab south of Gujrat District.
- Contact the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, located at Plot No. 3-5, TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road, Karachi, at +92 21 3527 5000. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 021 3527 5000.) This number is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. See also https://pk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/karachi/.
- You may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, located within the Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, +92 51 201 4000. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 051 201 4000.) This number also is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in all other parts of Pakistan. See also https://pk.usembassy.gov/.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan
- +(92)(51) 201-4000
- ACSIslamabad@state.gov
- https://pk.usembassy.gov
- U.S. Consulate General Karachi
- +(92)(21) 3527 5000
- ACSKarachi@state.gov
- U.S. Consulate General Lahore
- +(92) (42) 3603 4000
- ACSLahore@state.gov
- U.S. Consulate Peshawar
- +(92) (91) 526 8800
- State Department– Consular Affairs
- 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Pakistan Country Information
- Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
