In light of increased threats of potential violence surrounding the anniversary of the December 16, 2014 attack on the Peshawar Army Public School, the American Embassy in Islamabad, and the Consulates in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar have placed movement restrictions on U.S. government personnel in coming weeks. U.S. citizens are advised that the possibility for violence or attacks at or near public venues and events commemorating the December 16 attack is elevated at this time. Separately, Pakistani authorities have identified threats to certain venues including the Karachi Stock Exchange, and Kohsar market, Safa Gold Mall and Centaurus Mall in Islamabad. U.S. citizens are reminded to review the active travel warning for Pakistan, and minimize the number and duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, hotels, and other locations where large numbers of people congregate. U.S. citizens should monitor media reports regarding these and similar threats.
U.S. citizens are reminded that there is an active Travel Warning for Pakistan issued on August 28, 2015, and the worldwide Travel Alert issued on November 23, 2015. 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 maintain vigilant situational awareness, avoid large crowds, and keep a low profile, particularly when visiting locations frequented by Westerners. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures. Personnel and official visitors are not allowed to use public transportation in Pakistan and are not authorized to stay overnight in hotels in Pakistan. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the country, keeping in mind the high security threat level. Travelers are urged to vary their times and routes when traveling anywhere in Pakistan, and to avoid travel patterns to any such locations that might allow other persons to predict when and where they will be. U.S. citizens are further advised to verify that travel documents, visas, and residency documents remain valid and accessible at all times.
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, Travel Warnings (including the active Travel Warning for Pakistan), Travel Alerts, 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. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, +92 51 208 0000. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 051 208 0000.) This number also is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in other parts of Pakistan.
- 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).
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