ISLAMABAD: (HRNW) After the United States issued a security alert over a possible attack at the hotel in Islamabad, several countries including United Kingdom, Australia and Saudi Arabia have issued travel alerts for Pakistan.
The Saudi Embassy in Islamabad has issued an alert on the security situation in the country and advised its citizens living in and visiting Pakistan to remain careful and exercise caution.
It advised that citizens should not go out unless necessary. It added that Saudi citizens should contact the embassy and consulate if required.
The Australian High Commission in Islamabad has also issued a travel alert for Pakistan and warned from traveling due to the volatile security situation in the country.
In a statement, it said that the US Government warned its citizens of information that unknown individuals are possibly planning an attack at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad during the holidays. It added that heightened security arrangements are in place and public events have been banned.
The mission advised Australian officials in Islamabad to increase vigilance and limit travel within the city. They have been instructed to exercise heightened vigilance and monitor the media for latest updates
The Australian High Commission advised citizen to reconsider traveling to Pakistan due to the volatile security situation and high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping and violence.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also issued travel advisory to British nationals from visiting Pakistan.
In its travel advisory, the FCDO has advised against all travel to the districts of Bajuar, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan and South Waziristan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province.
It also advised the British citizens against travelling to the districts of Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner and Lower Dir and Peshawar in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
It also warned against traveling on the N45 road, from the north of the Mardan ring-road to the edge of the district of Chitral.
The FCDO also advised British nationals against traveling to Balochistan province, excluding the southern coast of Balochistan, besides 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 advised against all but essential travel to Arandu town and the road between Mirkhani and Arandu in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province; southern coast of Balochistan including the N10 motorway as well as the section of the N25 which runs to the Balochistan/Sindh border, port city of Gwadar; and areas of Sindh Province north of Nawabshah.