Wednesday May 10, 2023
Both missions advise their citizens to cooperate with the LEA.
A day earlier, the UK also updated its travel advice for Pakistan.
The advisory comes after the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
Canada and the United States have advised their citizens in Pakistan to be cautious following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Imran Khan and violent clashes that occurred in various cities.
The alert came after Rangers operatives arrested PTI Chairman Khan from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) – acting on the orders of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Following his arrest, the PTI called on supporters across Pakistan to protest and "block all roads, close all shops".
Subsequently, PTI workers protested in several cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar and Mardan.
In Karachi, protesters clashed with police near Nursery. They threw stones and set fire to police vehicles, pulled down street lights and damaged a bus. There were reports of police firing tear gas at protesters.
Protesters also caused damage to public property in other cities, including Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Following the worsening law and order situation in the country, the Canadian mission said, “Exercise extra caution in Pakistan due to the unpredictable security situation. Threats of terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence and kidnappings”.
The Canadian mission also advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Karachi "due to violence and the risk of terrorism".
The High Commission said demonstrations are expected across Pakistan over the recent arrest of the PTI chief.
He mentioned that security forces are on high alert in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi, adding that the security situation in the country is "evolving and remains unpredictable".
The Canadian mission urged its citizens to “obey the instructions of local authorities; avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings take place; always be aware of your surroundings when in public places; monitor local media for the latest information on the situation; Local authorities can ban all public gatherings”.
On the other hand, the US Embassy in Pakistan canceled consular appointments for today and said it was monitoring reports of clashes in Islamabad and other areas.
The US mission advised its citizens to "increase vigilance and avoid places with large crowds". It also urged its citizens to "review" their "personal security plans", carry identification and comply with law enforcement requests.
The US Embassy also told its citizens to be aware of their surroundings and follow local media updates.
A day earlier, the UK also updated its travel advice for Pakistan.
British Acting High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish shared the update on his Twitter account.
A travel warning titled "updated information on political rallies and protests" warned British citizens to travel to certain areas.
