The U.S. on Friday advised its citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan, saying that foreign and indigenous terrorist groups continue to pose a threat to them throughout the country.
In a travel warning — issued after a gap of seven months — the State Department warned the U.S. citizens against all non-essential travel to the country. The fresh travel warning replaces earlier warning, issued on May 22.
Sectarian attacks
Pakistan continues to experience significant terrorist violence, including sectarian attacks, the State Department said, adding that targeted attacks against government officials, humanitarian and non-governmental organisation employees, tribal elders, and law enforcement personnel were common in the country.
It said foreign and indigenous terrorist groups continue to pose a danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan.
Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past, and evidence suggests they continue to do so, the travel warning has said, adding that terrorists and criminal groups have resorted to kidnapping for ransom.
