The United States embassy in Pakistan has issued a fresh security message for its citizens, advising them to stay away from a five star hotel in the coming few days in view of a threat against the building.
"The embassy is aware of a general but uncorroborated threat against the Marriott hotel in Islamabad. US citizens are advised to avoid the area for the next several days to allow time to assess the situation," the embassy has said in the advisory posted on its website.
A suicide truck bombing on the hotel on September 20, 2008, had killed over 54 and injured dozens others. Several Americans were among the casualties but majority were Pakistanis.
The embassy reminded the US citizens that there is an active Travel Warning for Pakistan issued on April 7, 2016, and a world-wide Travel Alert issued on November 23, 2015.
"US citizens are urged to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan. US citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures," the embassy said.
"The Mission reminds those US citizens considering travel to or remaining in Pakistan despite this warning to enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP), keep a trusted friend informed of your movements in country, maintain vigilant situational awareness, avoid large crowds, keep a low profile, and avoid visiting locations frequented by Westerners."
The message also said official US Mission personnel and visitors are not allowed to use public transportation in Pakistan and are not authorised to stay overnight in hotels in Pakistan.
"US citizens should exercise caution when travelling in the country, keeping in mind the high security threat level," the mission's advisory further said.
US travellers were asked to vary their times and routes when travelling anywhere in Pakistan, and to avoid travel patterns to any such locations that might allow other persons to predict when and where they will be.
"US citizens are further advised to verify that travel documents, visas, and residency documents remain valid and accessible at all times," the embassy said.
Comments
Comments are closed.