Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Pakistan National Day Security Reminder

There is an increased security personnel presence around Islamabad, especially near the venue selected for Pakistan National Day festivities on Wednesday, March 23 at the Shakarparian Parade Ground near 7th Avenue and Islamabad Highway. Be prepared for traffic delays, road closures, detours, and increased security checkpoints. Use good judgment when moving around public places.

Cell phone networks and radio frequencies may not be operable during varying times of the day and night from Tuesday through Wednesday.

The airport will remain open; however, some roads leading to and from may be closed or experience significant delays.

U.S. citizens are reminded that there is an active Travel Warning  for Pakistan issued on August 28, 2015, and a Worldwide Caution issued on November 23, 2015.

Consular services in Pakistan are available in Karachi and Islamabad. The consulates in Lahore and Peshawar are not providing 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 and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • 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 Karachi. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, located at 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 other parts of Pakistan. See also our website.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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