Pakistan: UK travel restrictions lifted in Islamabad November 2 /update 1

Event

On Thursday, November 2, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) lifted a security warning originally issued on October 25, which had imposed travel restrictions placed on UK Embassy staff in the city due to a credible security threat. Despite this updated status, UK authorities continue to warn of a high threat from terrorism, sectarian violence, and crime.

The US issued a similar security threat message on October 25, prohibiting embassy staff from traveling to all National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, commercial establishments on Jinnah Avenue (between 7th and 8th [Faisal] Avenue), and the intersection of Ataturk and Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat Avenues (NADRA intersection); the US Embassy in Islamabad has not yet announced any change to its advisory.

Context

Terrorist activities in Pakistan are common and predominantly target security forces in the restive and underdeveloped Baluchistan province. The most active terrorist group is the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban, but elements of the Afghan Taliban are also present, and TTP, the Islamic State - Khorasan Province (IS-KP), and other Baloch separatist movements carry out regular attacks against government and security installations.

Advice

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, all Western embassies in Pakistan advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.