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US renews travel warning to Pak

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US renews travel warning to Pak

The US has renewed its travel warning to Pakistan urging Americans not to undertake nonessential travel in that country.

The travel warning has been renewed in view of the “ongoing security concerns” about possible terror attacks.

“This travel warning is being reissued to remind U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in Pakistan… Due to on-going concerns about the possibility of terrorist activity directed against American citizens and interests, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Pakistan,” a Department advisory yesterday said.

“The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the consulates in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar continue to operate at reduced staffing levels. Family members of official Americans assigned to the Embassy in Islamabad and to the three consulates in Pakistan were ordered to leave the country in March 2002 and have not been allowed to return,” the advisory noted.

It said Al-Qaida and Taliban elements “continue to operate” inside Pakistan, particularly along the porous Afghan border region.

“Their presence, coupled with that of indigenous sectarian and militant groups in Pakistan, continues to pose potential danger to American citizens. Continuing tensions in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence against Westerners in Pakistan.”

As security has tightened at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack more vulnerable targets, including facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events, it said.

This travel warning supersedes the travel warning dated September 24, 2004, it said.

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