US issues new travel advisory for Pakistan, urges citizens to reconsider travel

The United States has issued a new travel advisory for Pakistan, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to ongoing security risks, including terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

In a statement, the US State Department warned that violent extremist groups are continuing to plan attacks, particularly in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The advisory emphasized that terrorists may strike with little or no warning, targeting various locations such as transportation hubs, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, and places of worship.

The advisory further stated that US government personnel assigned to Pakistan are prohibited from attending most large gatherings due to the heightened risks.

While noting that major cities like Islamabad have more robust security infrastructure, the advisory cautioned that Pakistan's security situation remains fluid, with conditions potentially changing rapidly.

The warning comes amid ongoing discussions in the US about potential travel restrictions.

Sources revealed to Reuters that a new travel ban under review by the Trump administration could soon prevent individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the US. This follows a broader assessment of countries' security and vetting procedures.

In addition, around 200,000 Afghans, approved for US resettlement or with pending visa applications, face uncertainty. Many are stranded in Pakistan, alongside refugees from 90 other countries, after President Trump's January 20th order instituting a 90-day freeze on refugee admissions and foreign aid that funds their transportation.