UK issues travel advisory for its citizens in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The British government has issued travel advisory its citizens visiting Pakistan, citing the increased risk of terrorism.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a statement providing instructions for British residents and travellers in the country. The advisory highlighted that foreign nationals, particularly Westerners, might be a direct target of such attacks.

It advised British citizens to avoid crowded places, political gatherings, public events and religious functions throughout Pakistan and prioritize their safety and ensuring appropriate security precautions.

“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Pakistan. There’s a high threat of terrorism, kidnap and sectarian violence throughout the country, including the major cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi,” the advisory read.

British citizens have been asked to avoid all travelling to most areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including the capital Peshawar and districts Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North and South Waziristan, Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lucky, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner, and Lower Dir.

The advisory also includes instructions against travel on the N45 road, from the north of the Mardan ring-road to the edge of the district of Chitral; Balochistan province, excluding the southern coast of Balochistan; the section of the N35 (or Karakoram Highway) between the Mansehra ring road and the N15/N35 Chilas interchange; and within 10 miles of the Line of Control.

The FCDO has advised against all but essential travel to Arandu town and the road between Mirkhani and Arandu in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and areas of Sindh north of, and including, the city of Nawabshah

It also warned against travelling to the southern coast of Balochistan, defined as the area south of (and including) the N10 motorway as well as the section of the N25 which runs from N10/N25 intersection to the Balochistan/Sindh border, including the port city of Gwadar

The advisory also mentioned the regular political rallies and protests in Pakistan, which may have an “anti-western dimension and could turn violent”.

“Avoid demonstrations, large crowds of people and political events. Be alert to local news and, where possible, social media and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour company,” the travel advisory stated, asking British nationals to turn away and move to a safe place if in proximity to a protest site.

Areas with high population density and inadequate security, as per the advisory, including markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, hiking trails, airports, infrastructure projects, public transport, schools, and educational institutions, are prone to attacks.

It added that maintaining constant vigilance in these areas and limiting exposure to higher-risk locations is crucial for British citizens.