The US State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees and the family members of US personnel from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi, citing heightened safety risks.
The status of Embassy Islamabad remains unchanged, according to the updated advisory.
The move follows a fresh update to the US travel guidance for Pakistan, which places the country under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” notice.
The advisory points to a sharper risk environment after the outbreak of US-Iran hostilities on February 28, warning of a continuing threat of drone and missile attacks and disruptions to commercial air travel in the wider region.
Alongside the regional security concerns, the advisory reiterates long-standing risks inside Pakistan, including the possibility of terrorist violence. It notes that militant attacks occur most frequently in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), including the former tribal areas, but also underscores that incidents have taken place in major urban centers as well.
Public places such as transport hubs, hotels, markets, malls, places of worship, hospitals, schools, and government facilities are listed among potential targets.
The advisory also flags the risk of demonstrations and unrest, noting that protests can lead to temporary internet and mobile service outages, and that approaching demonstrations can draw scrutiny from security authorities.
It further warns that Americans may face detention for participating in protests, and in some cases for social media activity deemed sensitive.
On crime, the guidance describes a “fluid” security situation and says petty theft remains a common concern, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft, particularly in crowded areas.
The State Department also cautioned that US consular support is limited outside major cities, citing travel restrictions on US personnel and requirements for armed escorts and protected transport in certain areas.
It added that assistance can be constrained in parts of KP, Balochistan, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and many locations outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
The updated advisory urges US citizens who choose to travel to Pakistan to maintain a low profile, avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local developments closely, and have an exit plan that does not rely on government assistance.
Americans were also advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts as the security situation remains subject to rapid change.
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