The US State Department on Wednesday updated its travel advisory for Pakistan and advised US nationals against all non-essential travel to the country.

"Pakistan continues to experience significant terrorist violence, including sectarian attacks.," said the state department advisory.

The advisory added that targeted attacks against government officials, humanitarian and non-governmental organisation (NGO) employees, tribal elders, and law enforcement personnel are common.

"The Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in major cities, following attacks or in response to threats."

The travel advisory also said that sectarian violence remains a serious threat throughout Pakistan, with the government continuing to enforce blasphemy laws.

"Religious minority communities have been victims of targeted killings and accusations of blasphemy," said the US State Department.

Areas where access to US nationals is restricted by local government were also mentioned. It further added that travel by US government personnel within Pakistan is restricted and movements by US government personnel outside of Islamabad is severely restricted.