In light of the June 14, 2002 car bombing in Karachi and the ongoing concern for further terrorist actionsagainst American citizens, the Department of State again reiterates its warning to American citizens to defertravel to Pakistan and strongly urges American citizens in the country to depart. This Travel Warningsupersedes the Travel Warning for Pakistan dated June 5, 2002.
Tensions between India and Pakistan remain at serious levels, and the risk of intensified militaryhostilities cannot be ruled out. Virtually all land and air links with India are closed. Military movementscontinue along both the Line of Control in Kashmir and the border between India and Pakistan. Artillery firingalong the Line of Control has caused death and injury in that area.
Advertisement
The possibility of threats to Americans and other civilian targets continues. The most recent attack wasthe June 14 car bomb attack against the American Consulate in Karachi that resulted in the loss of life ofmany Pakistani citizens in the vicinity of the consulate building. In March, an attack on worshippers at achurch service in Islamabad killed two Americans and injured several others, and in early 2002 an Americanjournalist in Karachi was kidnapped and brutally murdered.
There is a growing possibility that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists andtheir sympathizers will seek less well-protected targets. These may include facilities where Americans aregenerally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoorrecreation events.
Advertisement
As a result of these concerns, the Department ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and familymembers of the Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan on March 22, 2002. Americans in Pakistan are strongly urgedto depart the country. The Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan will remain available for American citizenservices. However, from time to time, the missions in Pakistan may temporarily suspend public services asnecessary to review their security posture. Due to security concerns, official Americans may be prohibitedfrom traveling to certain areas of Pakistan. Americans seeking assistance should telephone the Embassy orConsulates before visiting to ensure the offices are open and to obtain the latest information on travelrestrictions.
The Government of Pakistan continues to give full support to the international campaign against terrorism.As Operation Enduring Freedom defeats Al-Qaida strongholds in Afghanistan, some Al-Qaida members have fled toPakistan and other countries. This, coupled with the presence of indigenous sectarian and militant groups inPakistan, requires that all Americans in or traveling through Pakistan take appropriate security measures.Events in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence.
American citizens should also be aware that there are many areas of Pakistan that are restricted by theGovernment of Pakistan and require non-Pakistanis to obtain official permission before they may travel tothem. This includes the tribal areas of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, and areas along the Line ofControl, the Pakistan-India border, and near other sensitive areas and facilities. Travelers need to determinebeforehand whether the areas they intend to visit have any Pakistan government restrictions on them. If so,then the appropriate authorities must be contacted and approval obtained before travel is undertaken.
Advertisement
Americans who continue to reside in or visit Pakistan despite this warning should exercise maximum cautionand take prudent measures. They should avoid crowds, demonstrations, and areas where Americans and otherexpatriates generally congregate. They should always remain aware of their immediate surroundings and varyroutes and timing of periodic travel. All American citizens should ensure that their travel documents remainvalid for travel.
U.S. citizens who remain in Pakistan are strongly urged to register and obtain updated security informationat the U.S. Embassy or Consulates
