Several countries have issued security warnings to their citizens living in Pakistan, following a deadly suicide bombing in the federal capital of Islamabad.
Riyadh issued new directives to its citizens as militant attacks increased in the South Asian country in recent weeks.
A statement issued by Saudi authorities on Twitter said “The embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan would like to warn all citizens residing and visiting the Islamic Republic of Pakistan of the need to take caution and not go out except for necessity.”
It further maintained that the ‘security of Islamabad has been placed at the highest level,’ and further advised residents to contact the embassy and consulate if the need arises.
Amid terror resurgence, the UK warned citizens against visiting Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and other regions bordering Afghanistan in wake of the recent security situation.
The Australian high commissioner also confirmed that officials in the Pakistani capital had been advised to increase vigilance and limit travel within the city.
Over the weekend, US Embassy warned its staff of a possible attack on Americans at a top hotel in the Pakistani capital as the city was already on high alert following a suicide bombing earlier in the week.
Following Friday’s bombing, the Islamabad administration banned all types of gatherings, particularly those related to the upcoming local government elections, for two weeks and declared the city on high alert for 48 hours.
In 2008, a suicide bomber rammed a truck loaded with 600 kilogrammes of explosives into the outer gates of the five-star Marriott Hotel, killing 60 people.
