WASHINGTON: The US State Department has urged American citizens planning to travel to Pakistan to reconsider their plans, citing security concerns.

The department updated its travel advisory for Pakistan on Jan 26, advising travellers to think twice before visiting due to crime, civil unrest, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping.

Pakistan has been placed under a Level 3 advisory, a category that indicates a high risk where terrorist attacks may occur without warning. According to the State Department, typical targets include “transportation hubs, hotels, markets, shopping malls, military and security sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist locations, and government buildings”.

Some regions, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been designated Level 4: Do Not Travel areas.

The advisory urges US citizens not to travel to Level 4 areas “for any reason”, warning that assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, particularly against government officials and private citizens. The warning also applies to US citizens of Pakistani origin.

The State Department noted that local laws prohibit demonstrations without a permit and warned that “US citizens have been detained for participating” in such activities.

A Level 3 advisory indicates “serious risks to safety”, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans. Level 4 is the highest advisory level and discourages all travel.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2026