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Islamabad, Pakistan: After the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan, the situation is getting worse. The United States, United Kingdom and Canada have issued new travel advisories for their citizens citing political unrest following the arrest of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. ARY News has given this information.
ARY News reported that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has been arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. After his arrest, PTI workers protested across the country and demanded his release.
In the latest advisory issued by the US Embassy, it has been said, “The US Embassy is monitoring earlier reports of clashes between protesters and police and sporadic demonstrations in Islamabad. In such a situation, plans can be made to go somewhere else instead of Pakistan.” ”
The US Embassy in Islamabad has canceled consular appointments till May 10 due to ‘political traffic disruptions and restrictions’. According to the report of ARY News, US citizens have been advised to be extremely cautious and avoid crowded places. The US Embassy has asked people to review personal security, carry identification and obey the law, and be aware of their surroundings and monitor local media for updates.
Britain’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised its citizens to avoid all political demonstrations, large gatherings of people and public events, and to be prepared to change plans as necessary. UK FCDO urges people to follow local news.
The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office said, “Public demonstrations are common in Pakistan. You should keep an eye on local news. Protests can turn violent at any time. In such a situation, the situation can worsen. Therefore, there is a need to be careful.”
UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office stated, “Public demonstrations are common in Pakistan. You should keep track of the local news. Protests can occur with little warning and while most remain peaceful, they can turn violent and escalate quickly,” as per the ARY News report.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government asked its citizens and diplomatic staff to exercise a high degree of caution in Pakistan due to the “unpredictable security situation.” It further said, “There is a threat of terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence and kidnapping.”
Reacting to Imran Khan’s arrest, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the United States does not have a stance on one political candidate or party and called for respect for democratic principles.
Karine Jean-Pierre in the press briefing said, “United States does not have a position on one political candidate or party versus the another. We call for respect for democratic principles and the rule of law around the world.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a joint news conference said, “We just want to make sure that whatever happens in Pakistan is consistent with the rule of law, with the constitution.”
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stressed “We want to see peaceful democracy in that country. We want to see the rule of law adhered to.”
