WASHINGTON
The United States and United Kingdom have issued security advisory for their citizens in Pakistan, which has been rocked by clashes between the government and protesters demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's resignation.
"Hundreds of people have been reported injured and at least three people reportedly killed since protests turned violent on Saturday," the US State Department said in a statement.
Officials also told Americans to stay away from the capital's government and diplomatic enclave known as the "Red Zone," and avoid "demonstration routes and areas, keep a low profile, exercise caution, and avoid large gatherings."
The protests led by Imran Khan, a renowned cricketer before entering politics, and fiery cleric Tahirul Qadri, descended into deadly chaos on Saturday, with at least three people killed and more than 500 injured. On Monday, the State Department urged "all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law," adding that that the US was not involved in the process or holding discussions between the parties.
Similarly, the United Kingdom also advised its citizen against travel to Pakistan amidst ongoing political crisis.
According to a statement of Foreign and Commonwealth Office posted on the UK government website, there is a high threat from terrorism, kidnapping and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan.
The statement said, "Violent clashes have occurred between the police and demonstrators at the large political protests in central Islamabad. The police are restricting access to Islamabad's Red Zone (Government Sector and Diplomatic Enclave). Expect disruption to travel on other roads in and around Islamabad. You may also experience disruption to road travel in other cities, including Lahore."
Around 270,000 British nationals visit Pakistan every year. Most visits are trouble-free.