Islamabad -- The United States has updated its travel advisory for Pakistan, urging American citizens to reconsider visiting the country due to an increased risk of terrorism and potential armed conflict. The US State Department issued the warning on Friday, highlighting security concerns in regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where extremist groups remain active and continue to orchestrate attacks.
Terror index rising
In February 2025, the US Embassy in Islamabad issued a security alert citing credible threats against Faisal Mosque, after videos circulated online allegedly showing Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group marking their presence in the mosque's courtyard. In response, the embassy restricted US employees from visiting the site and advised citizens to avoid large gatherings and leave unsafe locations immediately.
Pakistan has recently climbed to second place in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), reflecting a surge in violence across the country. According to the 2024 GTI report, Pakistan experienced 1,099 terrorist attacks last year, resulting in 1,081 fatalities—a 45% increase from the previous year. Fatalities linked to TTP attacks alone have doubled since 2023.Beyond the threat of terrorism, the US advisory warned that political demonstrations and protests in Pakistan require government permits, and individuals attending them may attract scrutiny from security forces. Some US citizens have been detained for participating in protests or for sharing content critical of Pakistani authorities on social media. The advisory also noted that internet and mobile services are frequently disrupted, particularly during periods of unrest.While Islamabad benefits from better security infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, other parts of the country face severe limitations in handling crises. The advisory emphasized that Pakistan’s security environment can shift rapidly, often without prior warning.Given these risks, the US State Department strongly advises its citizens to stay informed, exercise caution, and reconsider travel to Pakistan unless necessary.