After the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and violent clashes in various cities, Canada and the United States have advised their citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution.
The advisory came after Rangers personnel arrested PTI Chairman Khan from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises – acting on a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) warrant.
After his arrest, the PTI urged supporters across Pakistan to protest and “block all roads, close all shops”.
After that, PTI workers held protests in many cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar and Mardan.
Protesters clashed with police near a nursery in Karachi. They pelted stones and set fire to police vehicles, broke street lights and damaged a bus. There are reports that the police fired tear gas shells at the protesters.
Protesters also damaged government property in other cities including Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Following the worsening law and order situation in the country, the Canadian mission said, “Exercise extreme caution due to the unpredictable security situation in Pakistan. There is a risk of terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence and kidnapping.”
The Canadian mission also advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Karachi “due to the threat of violence and terrorism”.
The High Commission said that due to the recent arrest of the PTI chief, protests are expected across Pakistan.
It noted that security forces are on high alert in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi, adding that the security situation in the country is “escalating and unpredictable.”
The Canadian mission asked its citizens to “follow the instructions of local authorities. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Always be aware of your surroundings in public places. Local media for updates.” monitor; local authorities may ban all public gatherings.”
On the other hand, the US Embassy in Pakistan has canceled its consular appointments for today, saying it is monitoring reports of clashes in Islamabad and other areas.
The US mission advised its citizens to “exercise extreme vigilance and avoid crowded places”. It also urged its citizens to “review” their “personal security plans”, carry identification documents and comply with requests from law enforcement agencies.
The US Embassy asked its citizens to be aware of their surroundings and monitor local media for updates.
A day earlier, the UK also updated its travel advice for Pakistan.
This update was shared by British Acting High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish on his Twitter account.
A travel advisory titled “Updates on political rallies and protests” warned British citizens against traveling to certain areas.
