Pakistan: Rise in anti-US sentiment expected in the coming days

Event

A rise in anti-US sentiment is expected in Pakistan following an inflammatory tweet issued by US President Donald Trump on Monday, January 1. President Trump's tweet criticized US aid to Pakistan, suggesting that such aid is undeserved given Pakistan's "lies and deceit." The statement prompted a swift condemnatory response from Pakistan's government, which reportedly held an emergency National Security Council meeting on Tuesday, January 2, in response to President Trump's tweet.

The Difa-e-Pakistan Council, an Islamist party umbrella organization, organized an associated protest in Karachi on Tuesday; some 200 members of the organization participated in the anti-US demonstration. Additional protests and an associated heightened security presence are possible in Karachi and other Pakistani cities in the coming days.

Context

Also on January 1, the White House announced that it would continue to withhold USD 255 million in military aid to Pakistan; the Trump administration first announced the decision to cut military aid to the country in August 2017, due to ongoing frustration over Pakistan's perceived unwillingness to thwart terrorist organizations operating within its borders.

Anti-US sentiment has been on the rise in Pakistan in recent weeks since Trump announced on December 6 that the US would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin preparations to move the US Embassy to the city.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Maintain a low profile and avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public spaces or when in the company of strangers.

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.