US State Department eases restrictions in new travel advisory for Pakistan
The advice notes that Pakistan’s security situation is better than it was in 2014. “Pakistan’s security environment has improved since 2014, when Pakistani security forces conducted concentrated counter-terrorist and counter-militant operations,” the report says.
“The main cities, particularly Islamabad, have more security resources and infrastructure, and security personnel in these places may be better prepared to respond to an emergency than in other parts of the country.” Terrorist attacks are rare in Islamabad, despite the fact that threats still exist,” the alert states.
There are still restrictions in place for ‘high-risk locations.’
“Terrorist assaults continue in Pakistan, with the majority of them taking place in Balochistan and KPK, including the old FATA. The caution states that “large-scale terrorist strikes have resulted in multiple casualties.”
It also warns against visiting locations close to the Line of Control.
Furthermore, due to the security situation and the fact that travel by US government officials within Pakistan is prohibited, the US government has limited ability to offer emergency services to US residents in Pakistan.
“Travel by US government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and additional restrictions on movements by US government personnel outside of US diplomatic facilities may be imposed at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions, which can change rapidly,” the advisory states.
The US Consulate General in Peshawar, it continues, does not provide consular services to US citizens.
The advisory advises citizens to be mindful of their surroundings and local happenings in Pakistan, as well as to heed any additional guidelines provided on the official website of the US State Department.
Following the aforementioned relaxation of limitations, Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf visited the United States for a ten-day visit, during which the NSA reviewed the peace and security situation in Pakistan and the area.
COVID-19 should be avoided at all costs.
In addition to advising Americans about security issues, the State Department has issued a warning about the COVID-19 situation in Pakistan, adding that “certain places are at elevated risk.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Degree 2 Travel Health Notice for Pakistan, indicating a moderate level of coronavirus outbreak in the country, according to the travel alert.
“If you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-approved vaccine, your risk of catching COVID-19 and having severe symptoms may be reduced. Please consider the CDC’s particular advice for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers before planning any foreign travel,” the statement adds.
