Following the shock arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union have issued a travel advisory for their respective citizens in Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

The travel advisory stated that citizens should avoid unnecessary travelling in Azad Kashmir, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In this regard, the US, UK, EU and Canada said that there is a threat of terrorism, unrest and kidnapping, so foreign nationals should be careful while in western-style restaurants and shopping centres.

A travel advisory issued by the Canadian High Commission has advised the Canadian citizens in Pakistan to exercise extreme caution in view of the unpredictable security situation in the country. “There is a threat of terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence and kidnapping. Avoid all types of travel at the regional level. Do not travel within 10 kilometers of the borders of China, India and Iran,” it said.

“Avoid unnecessary travel to the areas within 10 kilometers of the Line of Control except through official border crossings (Wahga and Grand Trunk Road). Do not travel from the Khunjerab Pass to the Karakoram Highway and the section of the Karakoram Highway from Mansehra to Chilas,” it added.

“Avoid unnecessary travel to Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Also avoid non-essential travel to Karachi due to the threat of violence and terrorism. The Canadian government may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to the Canadian citizens in the areas of serious security concern,” the high commission informed the Canadian citizens in Pakistan.

“It is impossible to provide Canadian consular assistance in the restricted and pre-authorised areas of the Government of Pakistan,” it added.

“Protests are expected across Pakistan over the recent arrest of a leading public figure during his court appearance on May 9. The security forces are on high alert in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi. The security situation in Islamabad is changing and unpredictable. Follow instructions from the local authorities,” it advised.

Reporter: Mohsin-ul-Mulk