Protests have started across Pakistan after the arrest of former PM Imran Khan. (file)
Islamabad, Pakistan:
ARY News reported that the United States, the 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 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. As protests broke out in various parts of Pakistan, the US, Canada and the UK issued travel advisories for their citizens and diplomatic staff.
The US Embassy has announced a travel alert for its citizens in Pakistan. The latest advisory issued by the US Embassy said, “The US Embassy is monitoring earlier reports of clashes between protesters and police in Islamabad as well as sporadic demonstrations taking place or being planned elsewhere across Pakistan.” “
The US Embassy in Islamabad has canceled consular appointments scheduled for May 10 due to “political traffic disruptions and restrictions”. According to the report of ARY News, US citizens have been advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid large crowded places.
The US Embassy asked people to review personal protection plans, carry identification and follow requests from law enforcement, and to 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. While protests can happen with little warning and most remain peaceful, they can turn violent and escalate quickly.” are,” according to an ARY news report.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government asked its citizens and diplomatic staff to exercise extreme caution in Pakistan due to the “unprecedented security situation”. It further said, “There is a threat of terrorism, civil unrest, communal violence and kidnapping.”
Reacting to the arrest of Imran Khan, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the United States has no position on a political candidate or party and called for respect for democratic principles.
Karine Jean-Pierre said at the press briefing, “The United States of America has no position on one political candidate or party versus another. We call for respect for democratic principles and the rule of law around the world.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a joint news conference, “We just want to make sure that whatever happens in Pakistan is in accordance with the rule of law, the constitution.”
Meanwhile, Britain’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverley insisted, “We want to see a peaceful democracy in that country. We want to see the rule of law upheld.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)