Security alert: Saudi Arabia, UK direct citizens to restrict their movements in Pakistan

In a security alert, Saudi Arabia’s embassy advised incoming Saudi residents and those in Pakistan to remain “careful and limit their movement” amid the rising terror threat. They have been asked to “be cautious” and not venture out except for any necessity, reports Dawn News.

“Security of Islamabad has been placed at the highest level,” the alert said, adding that Saudis should contact the embassy and consulate if the need arises.

Also, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised against all travel to Peshawar and various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on section of the N35 (or Karakoram Highway) between the Mansehra ring road and the N15/N35 Chilas interchange, N45 Road from the north of the Mardan ring-road to the edge of the district of Chitral, within 10 miles of the Line of Control and Balochistan province, excluding its southern coast, Dawn News reported.

Similarly, Australia also shared travel advice, asking citizens not to travel to Balochistan and KP, except Chitral, due to the poor security situation and high risk of kidnapping, the newspaper reported.

The US government on Sunday prohibited its staff from visiting Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's Islamabad city due to a possible attack.

"The U.S. government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays," read a statement issued by the US embassy in Islamabad.