WASHINGTON: The number of US citizens arrested, detained, and prosecuted for overstaying their visas in Pakistan this year has “increased markedly across the country”, says the US State Department.
A long and detailed travel warning, issued on Monday afternoon also includes complaints against the Pakistani media which, according to the State Department, “recently have falsely identified US diplomats, journalists and employees of non-government organisations as spies or as private security personnel”.
Taking note of the rapidly growing anti-American feelings in Pakistan, the department says: “Rallies, demonstrations, and processions occur regularly throughout Pakistan on very short notice. Demonstrations often have taken on an anti-US or anti-Western character, and US citizens are urged to avoid large gatherings.”
The statement differs markedly from previous warnings that focused on security threats to US citizens in Pakistan from terrorist groups and their supporters.
The latest warning, however, underlines measures taken by the Pakistani government, which indicates continued deterioration of relations between the two allies.
“US citizens throughout Pakistan have been arrested, deported, harassed, and detained for overstaying their Pakistani visas or for travelling to Pakistan with the inappropriate visa classification,” warns the State Department.
“US citizens who attempt to renew or extend their visas while in Pakistan have been left without legal status for an extended period of time and subjected to harassment or interrogation by local authorities.”
In 2011, the number of US citizens arrested, detained, and prosecuted for visa overstay increased markedly across the country, said the statement, adding that US missions in Pakistan might not always be available to help them.
“Security threats may on short notice temporarily restrict the ability of US missions, particularly in Peshawar, to provide routine consular services,” it says.
The State Department encourages all US citizens to apply for renewal of travel documents at least three months prior to expiration.
The stark warning continues to point to the threat to Americans from Al Qaeda, Taliban and militant sectarian groups throughout Pakistan.
The State Department, however, notes that Pakistan's government has increased security measures, especially in major cities, but the “terrorists have (often) disguised themselves as Pakistani security personnel to gain access to targeted areas”.
The department notes that terrorists focus on places where westerners congregate, including shopping areas, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events.
The travel warning includes a detailed list of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, the latest on May 20, when a US consulate vehicle in Peshawar was attacked, killing one person and injuring 12.
It points out that US citizens throughout Pakistan have also been kidnapped for ransom or for personal reasons.
Reported kidnappings include the June 2011 kidnapping of a US citizen in Lahore; the 2010 kidnapping of a US citizen child in Karachi, and the 2009 kidnapping of a US official of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Balochistan.
The kidnapping of Pakistani citizens and other foreign nationals, usually for ransom, continues to increase dramatically nationwide, the State Department warns.
Safety measures suggested to US citizens in Pakistan include maintaining good situational awareness, avoiding crowds, and keeping a low profile.
It reminds them that even peaceful demonstrations may become violent.
The proposed safety measures include an advice to US citizens should to avoid setting patterns by varying times and routes for all required travel.
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