ISLAMABAD: The US embassy in Pakistan this week warned its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid political rallies and large public gatherings in the South Asian country, amid a surge in violence as Pakistan heads toward national polls on Feb. 8.
Pakistan has seen an uptick in pre-poll violence in its western provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan in the lead-up to the elections. Multiple candidates were killed in January by unidentified men while a bomb blast targeting the election rally of former prime minister Imran Khan’s party in southwestern Balochistan killed four.
In its fresh travel advisory, the US embassy in Pakistan warned citizens of the dangers of violence as political parties increase campaigning for national polls with marches and rallies. It pointed out that political activities in Pakistan have been targeted by violence recently.
“US citizens should remain vigilant and aware of the locations of political rallies occurring in areas they intend to visit,” the embassy said in a post on its website dated Feb. 2.
“On February 8, election day, areas around polling stations may be crowded, and US citizens not eligible to participate in Pakistan’s elections should avoid them.”
It warned that disruptions to Internet and cellular services could occur leading up to and throughout the election day.
The US mission in Pakistan warned Americans to avoid large public gatherings, review their personal security plans, monitor local media for news updates, and “keep a low profile.”
Pakistan’s election regulator on Thursday held a meeting to discuss security in the wake of rising pre-poll violence in Balochistan and KP, following which the interior minister vowed that polls would be held in the country on Feb. 8.
Pakistan faces twin insurgencies — one in KP and one in the southwest by ethnic Baloch nationalist groups.
On Friday, the army said it had killed 24 militants in southwestern Pakistani cities of Mach and Kolpur in a massive operation that kicked off following attacks by militants on Jan. 29.
