The US Department of State has issued a travel advisory, warning citizens travelling to Pakistan amid "terrorism and the potential for armed conflict." The advisory cautioned citizens against visiting Pakistani provinces, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
It also warned against travelling near the Line of Control and the international border between India and Pakistan. The areas near LoC were given advisory under "Level 4: Do Not Travel", stating that militants operate in the area. It added that both the countries have "a strong military presence on their respective sides of the border."
It pointed that for foreign visitors, the only official entry for from Pakistan to India is the border crossing point from Pakistan's Wagah to India's Attari. Americans have been advised to confirm to the status of border crossing before they travel. It also pointed out that they require an Indian visa to cross the border. However, no visa facilities are available at the border.
The travel advisory warned Americans that violent extremist groups regularly attacking place in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which also includes the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It pointed out that several people have been killed in large-scale attacks while small-scale attacks routinely occur without warnings.
The advisory said that it is not just the local military and police personnel who are targeted but also civilians and foreigners. It pointed out that US diplomats and diplomatic missions have also been targeted in the past.
Frequently targeted places include airports and transport hubs, markets and malls, schools, universities and hospitals, places of worship and tourist attractions, it added.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it said terrorists frequently attack civilians, NGOs, government officials and security forces besides assassination and kidnapping attempts. It added that polio eradication personnel are also among targets of the terrorists.