US warns citizens against non-essential travel to Pakistan

Washington, Oct 7: The US today warned its citizens against non-essential travel to Pakistan, saying the country continues to experience "significant" terrorist violence, including sectarian attacks.

"Pakistan continues to experience significant terrorist violence, including sectarian attacks," State Department said in its latest travel warning on Pakistan. This replaces the previous travel warning of April 7.

"The Department of State warns US citizens against all non-essential travel to Pakistan," the travel warning said, adding that throughout Pakistan, foreign and indigenous terrorist groups continue to pose a danger to US citizens.

Targeted attacks against government officials, humanitarian and non-governmental organisation (NGO) employees, tribal elders, and law enforcement personnel are common, the travel warning said.

Evidence suggests that some victims of terrorist activity have been targeted because they are Americans, it said. Terrorists and criminal groups regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom, the advisory said.

The State Department also noted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) concerning the risks to civil aviation operating in Pakistan, particularly at low altitude, during the arrival and departure phases of flight, and when on the ground, due to extremist/ militant activity.

The Advisory NOTAM does not prohibit US operators or airmen from operating in the specified area, as it is strictly an advisory notice, it said.

PTI