Pakistan on Thursday advised its citizens to avoid travelling to some Middle Eastern and African countries due to internal strife and actions taken by non-state actors. "In view of the prevailing security situation in some Middle Eastern and African countries due to internal strife and actions of non-state actors and terrorists, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise Pakistanis to avoid non-essential travels to such countries", Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said while speaking at weekly media briefing.
He said although Pakistan Missions in such countries are always forthcoming to help Pakistan nationals in distress, their ability to do so is often limited due to the prevailing situation, turmoil and instability. When asked to specify the countries where travel advisory for Pakistani citizens have been issued, he did not identify those countries, saying the countries where there are internal conflicts and actions taken by non-state actors and terrorists. Countries facing such situations are well-known, he added.