In view of the ongoing violent protests against the arrest of Imran Khan, the US Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday announced the cancellation of all consular appointments.
The US Embassy said it is canceling all consular appointments due to possible traffic disruptions and restrictions amid nationwide protests across Pakistan.
“US. The Embassy is monitoring earlier reports of clashes between protesters and police in Islamabad as well as sporadic demonstrations taking place or being planned elsewhere across Pakistan. Due to possible traffic disruptions and restrictions, the US Embassy Islamabad has canceled all consular appointments for tomorrow, May 10, 2023,” said a statement from the US Embassy in Pakistan.
Washington called on people to be vigilant and avoid places of large crowds. It also cautioned people to be aware of their surroundings and check local media for updates.
Protests broke out across Pakistan on Tuesday after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested during a court appearance in one of dozens of pending cases since he was ousted last year.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States “wants to make sure that whatever happens in Pakistan is in accordance with the rule of law, the constitution.”
Meanwhile, Canada has issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution due to the unpredictable security situation in Pakistan.
“There is a threat of terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence and kidnapping,” said a statement from the Canadian government.
Canada also urged people to avoid all areas within 50 km of the border with Afghanistan and within 10 km of the border with China, India and Iran.
“Avoid non-essential travel to the city of Karachi due to the threat of violence and terrorism,” the statement said.
Protesters, mostly supporters of Imran Khan, took their anger out on the army, storming the corps commander’s residence in Lahore and laying siege to a gate of the army’s general headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.
Police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse Khan supporters in Karachi and Lahore, while protesters blocked roads in the capital Islamabad, Peshawar and other cities.