UK’s FCO issues travel advisory to citizens, Pakistan should be avoided

Saturday, April 20, 2019

On  Thursday the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office  issued a travel advisory to its citizen planning a trip to Pakistan to avoid areas located near the Line of Control.

The advisory read as that demonstrations, large crowds of people and public events throughout Pakistan should be avoided.

In the densely-populated areas like markets, shopping malls and restaurant  the foreigners may become direct targets of attacks. Chances of protests are rife with little warning that might later turn violent within a short time frame.

Citizens should be extra vigilant at all times and minimize exposure to areas prone to higher risk.

According to U.K. office the British High Commission’s ability to deliver consular assistance that will include an emergency which might be restricted or delayed in certain parts of Pakistan as the federal government does not allow the permission to travel.

There will be restriction in certain flight routes or airports, one should check with airline for the latest information on flight status before travelling to the airport for any flight to and from Pakistan.

High level of lawlessness prevails in parts of Balochistan, rural Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa it also includes Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies, Quetta and parts of Sindh.

A new risk indicator for 35 countries was introduced by the US State Department on April 10. It included Pakistan and communicated more clearly to the American citizens, the risks of kidnapping and hostage-taking by criminals and terrorist around the world.

The Department said in a statement that the new ‘K’ indicator is a part of their ongoing commitment to provide clear and comprehensive travel safety information to the U.S. citizens so that they can make informed travel decisions.

Based on risk indicators such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters, health, and other potential risks the travel advisories was issued.

The  tension prevailing  between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of February 14 Pulwama terror attack which had claimed 40 Indian security personnel.

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