Pakistan unrest following Imran Khan's arrest: US,UK, Canada issue travel advisory for citizens
The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued travel advisories to its citizens from visiting Pakistan where unrest was reported following the arrest of former PM Imran Khan.
In its advisory posted on the website, the Canadian government wrote: " Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)."
Pakistan: The U.S. Embassy is monitoring reports of clashes between demonstrators and police in Islamabad related to the arrest of Imran Khan. Be aware of sporadic demonstrations underway or being planned throughout Pakistan. See: https://t.co/gdjuEUTqAA pic.twitter.com/ajrVeRt8UR
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) May 9, 2023
The US government said in a statement: "The U.S. Embassy is monitoring earlier reports of clashes between demonstrators and police in Islamabad and also sporadic demonstrations underway or being planned elsewhere throughout Pakistan. Because of potential traffic disruptions and restrictions, U.S. Embassy Islamabad has canceled all consular appointments for tomorrow, May 10, 2023."
Advising citizens, the government said: "Exercise heightened vigilance and avoid locations with large crowds.Review your personal security plans."
The UK government said in a statement, "Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Pakistan’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider."
"If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting," read the statement.
Violent protests broke out on Tuesday evening across Pakistan, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Karachi among other places, after former PM Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court (IHC), triggering a new political conflict in the country.
The protests have been unleashed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) cadres, who resorted to stone pelting on houses, offices, and vehicles, burning banners and tires, and blocking roads. In Faisalabad, a mob pelted stones on Rana Sanaullah’s house.
PTI workers also broke into Pakistan's General Headquarters and Corps Commander's Lahore house over Khan's arrest.