Upcoming Protests and Demonstrations

February 5, 2010

This Emergency Message is to alert American citizens about the increased risk of demonstrations against the United States and of possible sectarian violence  throughout Pakistan in the coming days. The increased risk stems from several factors, including the Pakistan national Kashmir Day holiday on February 5, the criminal conviction of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui by a court in the United States on February 3, the commemoration of the 40^th day after the Ashura on February 4, and the upcoming Days of Dawn religious observance by the Shia Muslims.

In major cities, the Embassy expects a noticeable increase in police presence. A demonstration in front of the Indian High Commission inside Islamabad's Diplomatic Enclave traditionally takes place on Kashmir day. Processions and demonstrations are frequent in Islamabad's G-6 sector.

The Urs at Data Darbar, a major shrine in Lahore's walled city, is being observed February 3-5. Large crowds of pilgrims, demonstrations, and traffic disruption are occurring in and around the walled city. American citizens are advised to avoid the area until February 6. On February 5th, processions and rallies related to Chehlum and Kashmir Day are anticipated in Lahore. Mall Road, Lower Mall Road, and the old city should be avoided all day and into the evening of February 5.

The US Embassy advises American citizens to increase safety concerns during this period. The government of Pakistan is taking additional precautions to prevent violence and there will be an increased presence of security forces visible throughout the country during this period. Embassy personnel have been advised to restrict their travel over the next few days.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Americans are reminded to keep a low profile and to avoid large gatherings during this period.

The Embassy reiterates its advice to all Americans to take measures for their safety and security at all times. These measures include maintaining good situational awareness, avoiding crowds, and keeping a low profile. The Embassy reminds Americans that even peaceful demonstrations may become violent and advises Americans to avoid demonstrations. Americans should avoid setting patterns by varying times and routes for all required travel. Americans should ensure that their travel documents and visas are valid at all times.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Pakistan, and Country-Specific Information for Pakistan can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

American citizens are encouraged to register with the nearest Embassy or Consulate General.  Registration can be done online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ 

Contact information follows for all four posts in Pakistan:

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5; telephone (92-51) 208-0000; Consular Section telephone (92-51) 208-2700; fax (92-51) 282-2632; website http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/; Email address: ACSIslamabad@state.gov

The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road, provides service to U.S. citizens by appointment only. U.S. citizens requiring assistance should call the consular section in Karachi. Their telephone is (92-21) 3520-4200; after hours (92-21) 3520-4400; fax (92-21) 3568-0496; website http://karachi.usconsulate.gov/

The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located at 50- Sharah-E-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees, (Old Empress Road) near Shimla Hill Rotary; telephone (92-42) 3603-4000 or 3603-4250; fax (92-42) 3603-4200; website http://lahore.usconsulate.gov/; Email address: acslahore@state.gov

The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, Peshawar; telephone (92-91) 526-8800; fax (92-91) 527-6712; website http://peshawar.usconsulate.gov