The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad informs U.S. Citizens that the Pakistani government is currently undertaking action to disperse Islamabad/Rawalpindi-based protests by the Tehreek Labaik Ya Rasool
Allah organization. Although police have dispersed the protests at the Faizabad Intersection, the demonstrators may be regrouping at other locations. Other groups of protestors are also present near
Tramri Chowk, Bara Koh, and Rawal Dam. This has resulted in very heavy traffic disruptions throughout the city, including to/from the Islamabad international airport. Authorities remain concerned about
the potential for spontaneous protests in and around Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Access to the Islamabad government and diplomatic area (red zone) has been restricted. Club Road, the expressway from Rawat,
Park Road, Bara Koh Road, and Rawal Damn Chowk are closed, as are some sections of Motorway M2. Conditions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are changing rapidly and we urge U.S. Citizens to avoid areas where protestors are present. U.S. Embassy Islamabad is curtailing movements of Embassy personnel accordingly.
U.S. citizens should carry appropriate identity documents when in Pakistan and should cooperate with police and security forces in any encounter. It is possible that cell phone connections may be disrupted
during periods of unrest.
