FAZAL SHER

ISLAMABAD: The United States embassy has restricted movement of its staff, fearing terrorist attacks in the wake of the drone attack that targeted Taliban leader Mullah Mansour.

US diplomats have also been directed to avoid traveling in their personal vehicles and instructed only to use official vehicles while traveling in the cities. A senior official of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) informed, that intelligence agencies have not issued any fresh warnings regarding possibility of a terror attack against the US embassy or any of its staff.

However, the official said that most foreign missions in Pakistan, keeping in view various security concerns often issue travel advisories to their staff as deemed appropriate.

The US Consulate General in Karachi on June 27 issued a warning to the US citizens to not visit any public places. The advisory issued by the US consulate stated that the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi has noticed an increase in terror alerts regarding possibility of attacks in Karachi.

US citizens are also reminded to exercise extreme caution at all venues when outdoors and that the US Consulate may subject them to additional restrictions in the near future.

U.S. citizens were also reminded that an active Travel Warning for Pakistan issued on April 7 and a Worldwide Caution issued in March urge U.S. citizens to defer all non-essential travel plans to Pakistan.

The Mission reminds those U.S. citizens considering travel to or remaining in Pakistan, despite this warning to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), keep a trusted friend informed of your movements in Pakistan, maintain vigilant situational awareness, avoid large crowds, keep a low profile, and avoid visiting locations frequented by westerners.

U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures. Official US Mission personnel and visitors are not allowed to use public transportation in Pakistan and are not authorised to stay overnight at hotels in Pakistan.

US citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the country, keeping in mind the high security threat level.