“There is a risk of terrorist violence”, declares the American mission in the country. The order comes after rising regional tensions following clashes between the United States and Iran.
The United States has ordered non-essential government staff to leave the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, two of Pakistan’s largest cities, given the escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran, official sources said today.
“The Department of State has ordered non-essential US government employees and their families to depart the American consulates in Lahore and Karachi, to leave Pakistan due to security risks,” the American mission in the country said in a statement.
The order follows the surge in regional tensions after the outbreak of clashes between the United States and Iran on Saturday, which, according to Washington, have created a constant threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks, as well as disruptions to commercial flights.
The escalating hostilities sparked protests in Pakistan against US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which over the weekend left at least 24 dead and more than 100 wounded.
Among the dead were 10 in the port city of Karachi, where American consulate security personnel opened fire on protesters who had breached the building’s perimeter.
Another 14 people died in unrest in the north of the country, in Gilgit and Skardu, where a crowd set fire to a United Nations office.
“There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activities in Pakistan,” the alert reads.
Authorities also warned that militant groups have historically targeted transport hubs, markets, hotels, places of worship and government buildings.
The State Department added that there has been no change in the status of the American embassy in Islamabad.
The alert reiterated travel warnings for several regions of the country, including the conflict areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where armed groups have carried out frequent attacks against civilians, security forces and foreigners.
The US mission recommended that its citizens in Pakistan monitor local media, avoid protests and crowded areas, keep travel documents up to date, and draw up contingency plans in case of an emergency departure.
