Warden Notice
Warden Notice - Reminder on Security Awareness
September 8, 2009
The U.S. Embassy issues this Warden Message to remind US citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist activity in Pakistan. Due to security concerns, visits by U.S. government personnel to Peshawar and Karachi are limited and movements by U.S. government personnel assigned to the Consulates in those cities are severely restricted. American officials in Lahore and Islamabad are instructed to restrict the frequency and to minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other locations. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Embassy places areas such as hotels, markets, and/or restaurants off limits to official personnel.
Current media reports suggest that dissension among factions within the Tehrik-e-Taliban terrorist group increases the possibility of terrorist attacks throughout Pakistan - particularly in the NWFP province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). A September 2 attempt to assassinate a Federal Minister of the Pakistani government in the capital further emphasizes the capability of extremists to target and attack individuals, even in high security areas. Americans should bear in mind the importance of heightened security awareness in light of upcoming anniversaries of the 9/11 terrorist attack and of the September 20, 2008 attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.
American citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures and to take measures for their own safety and security at all times. These measures include maintaining good situational awareness, avoiding crowds, and keeping a low profile. The Embassy reminds Americans that even peaceful demonstrations may become violent and advises Americans to avoid demonstrations. Americans should avoid setting patterns by varying times and routes for all required travel. Americans should ensure that their travel documents and visas are valid at all times.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Pakistan, and Country-Specific Information for Pakistan can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
American citizens are encouraged to register with the nearest Embassy or Consulate. Registration can be done online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/
Contact information follows for all four posts in Pakistan:
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5; telephone (92-51) 208-0000; Consular Section telephone (92-51) 208-2700; fax (92-51) 282-2632; website http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/ Email address: acs_islamabad@state.gov
The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road, provides service to U.S. citizens by appointment only. U.S. citizens requiring assistance should call the consular section in Karachi. Their telephone is (92-21) 3520-4200; after hours (92-21) 3520-4400; fax (92-21) 3568-0496; website http://karachi.usconsulate.gov/
The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located at 50- Sharah-E-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees, (Old Empress Road) near Shimla Hill Rotary; telephone (92-42) 3603-4000 or 3603-4250; fax (92-42) 3603-4200; website http://lahore.usconsulate.gov/ Email address: acslahore@state.gov
The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, Peshawar; telephone (92-91) 526-8800; fax (92-91) 527-6712; website http://peshawar.usconsulate.gov/