The US State Department urged American citizens planning to visit Pakistan to take caution during the approaching general elections scheduled to be held on February 8.
In a travel advisory, it emphasized potential disruptions and safety risks associated with political events such as marches, rallies, and speeches before election day.
Recognizing that public meetings are essential to the democratic process, the advisory emphasized their ability to obstruct traffic, hamper transit, and pose safety hazards, since political activities in Pakistan have previously been targets of violence.
US citizens planning to visit Pakistan were warned to be cautious and informed about the locations of political gatherings in their chosen localities.
On election day, several places near polling stations were predicted to be congested, prompting non-participating US citizens to avoid these regions.
Disruptions to internet and cellphone services were also expected in the days leading up to, during, and shortly following the polls.