February 17, 2008	Sunday	Safar 09, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: The US embassy in Pakistan on Saturday warned American citizens to restrict their movements and avoid travelling to the country during the general election.

Missions of several European countries have also issued similar warnings and travel advisories.

The US embassy also urged Americans to “defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan”. The embassy’s latest ‘warden message’ said that historically, periods leading up to, during and after elections, witnessed “random gunfire, indiscriminate acts of violence, protests, and bombings. Violence can erupt quickly and unexpectedly.

“Places where violence may occur include … large gatherings, religious sites, polling stations, and places where westerners gather”.

Americans should, it said, keep a “low profile and to … avoid these areas during this time,” adding that they should vary their routes and schedule. The embassy urged American citizens to “reduce travel to a minimum, and to act self-defensively at all times”.