September 26, 2008	Friday	Ramazan 25, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Sept 25: The US embassy on Thursday suspended its visa and consular services because of security concerns.

“The embassy has suspended routine consular services, including visa services, beginning today (Thursday),” an embassy official said.

The suspension of services, the embassy said, would not affect emergency services for US citizens in Pakistan.

“The embassy will continue to provide emergency services to Americans requiring such assistance.”

The official said the suspension of visa and consular services was in response to the security environment in Pakistan.

“There had been an attack on Marriott Hotel, which is of great concern. Therefore, we reviewed the security situation and took the necessary measures,” he said.

Two US troops were killed in the massive Marriott hotel bombing.

The embassy has banned US government officials from visiting major hotels and restaurants in Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore because of fears of new attacks.

Officials have also been advised to visit markets and other public places only when there is a compelling need to do so.

The US government personnel were no longer permitted to stay or frequent major hotels in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar, a warden notice issued by the embassy said.

All Americans, the new advisory said, were advised to keep a low profile and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety.

There were fears that further terrorist attacks might take place in Islamabad, and that markets and restaurants might be among the intended targets, the embassy cautioned.

The British High Commission had stopped accepting visa applications on Wednesday after the closure of visa application centres, run by Gerry International, because of security concerns.

Students intending to proceed to UK and US for studies would suffer the most because of suspension of visa services.

Islamabad’s International School, more popularly known as the American School, closed last week after receiving a “specific threat”. The school’s branches in Lahore and Karachi were also closed.