Advisories warn against trips to Pakistan
LONDON, Dec 28: Many countries warned their nationals on Friday against travelling to Pakistan, fearing the murder of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto could spark more violence.
BRITAIN: Britain’s Foreign Office said that after the assassination “there is a risk of continuing violence in the run up to and following her funeral.
ITALY: Italy’s foreign ministry also warned of a “resurgence of terrorism”.
A ministry statement cautioned against trips that are “unnecessary or not carefully prepared,” while Italians already in the country should “remain in protected areas” and in contact with Italian diplomatic missions.
HOLLAND: The Dutch foreign ministry advised against visiting Pakistan, particularly its remote areas where “terrorism” and “illegality” are rife and where consular assistance is limited.
FRANCE: France “strongly advised” its citizens to defer any trip to Pakistan, while those already there should limit their movements, avoid gatherings and official buildings.
MADRID: In Madrid a Spanish diplomat said Ms Bhutto’s assassination strengthened a travel advice already issued in October. He added that a school in Rawalpindi run by Spanish nuns had been stoned following the killing and a door broken.
ASIA: Asian countries also advised their citizens to put off any planned trips to Pakistan.
MALAYSIA: Malaysia’s Bernama news agency quoted Roseli Abdul, the country’s acting high commissioner to Pakistan, as describing the situation in the South Asian nation as tense amid mounting anger among Ms Bhutto’s supporters.
“This (tense) situation is expected to continue for the next two to three days,” he said.
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s foreign ministry said Singaporeans should only go to Pakistan if there are “pressing reasons”.
“Singaporeans already in Pakistan should take all necessary precautions for their personal safety.”
JAPAN: Japan advised its nationals in Pakistan to lie low. “Please refrain for the time being from making any unnecessary trips outside,” a foreign ministry statement said.—AFP