US, UK, and Canada issue travel advisories for citizens in Pakistan. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have updated their travel alerts for their citizens due to political unrest following the detention of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
According to ARY News, Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was detained by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Following his arrest, PTI workers across the nation protested and demanded his release. Travel warnings for their citizens and diplomatic personnel have been issued by the US, Canada, and the UK as protests have broken out in various parts of Pakistan.
The US Embassy has announced a travel alert for its citizens in Pakistan. The latest advisory issued by the US Embassy said, “The U.S. Embassy is monitoring earlier reports of clashes between demonstrators and police in Islamabad and also sporadic demonstrations underway or being planned elsewhere throughout Pakistan.”
The US Embassy in Islamabad has canceled consular appointments for May 10 due to “political traffic disruptions and restrictions.” US citizens have been advised to exercise heightened vigilance and avoid locations with large crowds, as per the ARY News report.
The US Embassy advised people to review their personal security plans, carry identification, comply with police requests, be aware of their surroundings, and keep an eye on local media for updates. They also advised carrying identification.
The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised its citizens to stay away from all political protests, crowded places, and public gatherings and to be ready to alter their plans as needed. The UK FCDO urged people to follow regional news sources.
UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office stated, “Public demonstrations are common in Pakistan. You should keep track of the local news. Protests can occur with little warning and while most remain peaceful, they can turn violent and escalate quickly,” as per the ARY News report.
US, UK, and Canada issue travel advisories for citizens in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Canadian government asked its citizens and diplomatic staff to exercise a high degree of caution in Pakistan due to the “unpredictable security situation.”
It further said, “There is a threat of terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence, and kidnapping.”
Reacting to Imran Khan’s arrest, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the United States does not have a stance on one political candidate or party and called for respect for democratic principles.
Karine Jean-Pierre in the press briefing said, “The United States does not have a position on one political candidate or party versus another. We call for respect for democratic principles and the rule of law around the world.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a joint news conference said, “We just want to make sure that whatever happens in Pakistan is consistent with the rule of law, with the constitution.”
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stressed “We want to see peaceful democracy in that country. We want to see the rule of law adhered to.”
Also read: Pakistani celebrities denounce Imran Khan’s arrest
