ISLAMABAD: The United States Embassy in Islamabad said on Thursday that it is “temporarily restricting the movement of U.S. government employees” in Pakistan due to “security concerns.”
The embassy said on its website the decision after the recent announcement that the U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and plans to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem may “spark protests, some of which have the potential to become violent.”
“U.S. Embassy Islamabad reminds U.S. citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security,” a statement said.
The embassy asked U.S. nationals in Pakistan to review their personal security plans; remain aware of their surroundings, including local events; monitor local news for updates, maintain a high-level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.
The statement further advised the citizens to avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence,” the alert said.
U.S. citizens should carry appropriate identity documents when in Pakistan and should cooperate with police and security forces in any encounter. It is possible that cell phone connections may be disrupted during periods of unrest.
Afghan Taliban
Meanwhile, Afghan Taliban also joined the world community to condemn Trump’s decision as “anti-Muslim bigotry and a reckless step.”
“Finally, America has fully exposed her colonialist face and declared enmity towards Islam as well as support for policy of occupation and colonization of Muslim lands,” the Taliban said in a statement.
Taliban said Trump’s decision will fan the flames conflict in the entire world especially the Middle East.
“The US president showed that America is directly involved in all Muslim miseries that have angered Muslims for decades, usurped their homelands, killed their people and are trying to destroy Islamic values,” they further said.
The Taliban urged all Muslims and Islamic countries to declare their solidarity with al-Quds and back the legal resistance of the oppressed Palestinian nation.
If the Muslim world fails at giving brotherly hand to one another and approaching their problems in union, recognize anti-Islam plots and continue squandering opportunities, then the moments are close when Muslim sanctums shall further be degraded and the very existence of Muslims shall face immense danger,” the statement said.
