Terrorism: US tells citizens to defer non-essential travel to Pakistan
What's the story
The US State Department has advised its citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan.
The department said terrorist groups continue to pose a threat to the country and could target American citizens.
The travel advisory comes amid increasing terrorist violence and sectarian attacks in Pakistan.
It replaces the May 22 advisory which also warned against non-essential travel to the country.
23 Aug 2017
After Trump, Tillerson cautions Pakistan over terror support
On August 23, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stepped up pressure on Pakistan over its alleged backing of the Afghan Taliban.
Tillerson suggested that Pakistan could lose US privileges if it fails to change its posture.
Pakistan enjoys billions of dollars in US aid as a non-NATO alliance partner.
A day earlier, President Donald Trump warned Pakistan against providing safe havens to terrorists.
Details
US says terrorist continue to target its diplomats in Pakistan
The State Department notes that terrorists have commonly targeted government officials, humanitarian and non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, tribal elders, and security personnel.
US citizens could face danger from both local and foreign terrorist groups operating in Pakistan.
The State Department said American diplomats and diplomatic facilities continue to be targeted.
Terrorist and criminal groups have attempted to kidnap Americans for ransom.
Explained
Sectarian violence, blasphemy accusations lead to violence
The State Department says sectarian violence remains a serious threat as the Pakistani government enforces blasphemy laws.
Religious minorities have faced accusations of blasphemy and many of them have fallen victims of targeted killings.
Over the past six months, terrorists have mounted a number of indiscriminate attacks in Balochistan, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).