Days after a suicide attack in Islamabad city, the US Embassy in Islamabad on Sunday recommended its mission staff to avoid “non-essential and unofficial” travel in the federal capital during the holiday season.
The embassy stated in a statement that the instructions were given in light of Islamabad being put on high alert due to security concerns.
“As Islamabad has been placed on a Red Alert citing security concerns while banning all public gatherings, the embassy is urging all Mission personnel to refrain from non-essential, unofficial travel in Islamabad throughout the holiday season,” the statement stated.
The embassy also gave security-related advice to its staff, including to be vigilant at gatherings and places of worship, avoid areas with large crowds, review security plans, be aware of their surroundings, carry identification, comply with police requests, and keep an eye on local media for updates.
The embassy warned US citizens in a previous alert that planned attacks and criminal activity frequently take place in crowded public places like markets, shopping malls, hotels, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, schools, and other places where people have a tendency to congregate.
“Public events, such as demonstrations and celebratory gatherings are also at a higher risk for violence,” the embassy warned.
The Islamabad Capital Police stated in a statement today that security in the capital has been stepped up, put on “high alert,” and snap-checking has increased in the Red Zone and at all ports of entry and exit of the federal capital.
اسلام آباد کیپیٹل پولیس نے شہر میں سکیورٹی ہائی الرٹ کر دی ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/gS7BF89Hf3
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) December 25, 2022
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