ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy in its security alerts said that demonstrations in Pakistan could extend beyond November 2. The embassy urges U.S. citizens in the twin cities to avoid visiting those areas where demonstrations and rallies are taking place. The embassy also advised US citizens present in Pakistan to keep a low profile and exercise extreme caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings.
Embassies and High Commissions of different countries and United Nations (UN) agencies are making assessments regarding the security situation in Pakistan in the backdrop of PTI’s protest sit-in. The security situation is arising due to the expected lockdown of the capital by PTI. Sources informed this scribe that senior management of UN agencies will meet on Tuesday to take a final look at the affairs of security and will then decide whether to open their offices or not.
“The Australian High Commission expects to be open,” Spokesperson of the Commission said regarding opening up the Commission on Tuesday and Wednesday. Almost all the embassies and missions in Pakistan would remain open on Tuesday. According to the US embassy’s alert, they are closely monitoring the potential impact of these demonstrations on embassy personnel and operations. An alert said that the duration and intensity of these demonstrations were unknown at this time. Many roads will be blocked or heavily congested.
During similar previous events, there were large-scale disruptions to mobile phone services, and the embassy expects such disruptions during this period. The United States government personnel will be under mobility restrictions during this period. They also advised staff of the embassy to monitor local media for the latest information.
“We recommend that U.S. citizens establish and maintain vigilant personal security practices. Even protests and demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence,” the embassy alert said.
