"Do Not Travel"- US Issues Advisory for Pakistan Citing Terrorism and Armed Conflict Risks

The US State Department warns citizens against traveling to Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, as well as the India-Pakistan border region, due to heightened terrorist activity and security concerns.

March 9, 2025: Washington/New York:
The United States has issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for several regions in Pakistan, citing concerns over terrorism and potential armed conflict, particularly near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control (LoC).

The US State Department released the updated travel advisory on Friday, urging Americans to "reconsider travel to Pakistan" due to the heightened security risks. Specific regions highlighted in the advisory include Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which encompass the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

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"Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, while small-scale attacks remain frequent," the advisory stated.

Heightened Terror Threats in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The advisory placed Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Level 4: Do Not Travel, highlighting frequent terrorist attacks targeting:

• Civilians
• Security forces
• Government buildings
• Public infrastructure such as markets, hospitals, and places of worship

Separatist movements and extremist groups have carried out deadly attacks in Balochistan, while terrorist organizations continue to target government personnel and foreign nationals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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Security Risks Along the India-Pakistan Border

The advisory also warns against traveling to the India-Pakistan border, emphasizing:

• Militant activity in the region
• Heavy military presence on both sides
• Unpredictable security conditions

"Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence along the border," it said.

The only official border crossing for non-citizens remains the Wagah-Attari checkpoint in Punjab, and travelers are advised to confirm its status before attempting to cross.

Targeted Attacks and Diplomatic Concerns

The US government has flagged past incidents where terrorists targeted American diplomats and diplomatic facilities in Pakistan. Security conditions remain fluid and unpredictable, and the advisory emphasized that while major cities like Islamabad have stronger security measures, the risk remains significantly high across the country.

Conclusion

With increasing security threats, the US State Department continues to caution against travel to Pakistan, urging American citizens to avoid high-risk areas and remain vigilant.

Tags:

#USTravelAdvisory, #Pakistan, #Terrorism, #SecurityAlert, #Balochistan, #KhyberPakhtunkhwa, #IndiaPakistanBorder, #USStateDepartment, #InternationalRelations,