Pak-Afghan War Escalates: US Issues Safety Advisory For Citizens in Pakistan, Urges Low Profile

The United States has issued a security advisory for its citizens in Pakistan, urging them to remain alert and keep a low profile amid escalating military tensions with Afghanistan. In a statement, the US mission in Pakistan said military activity has increased due to “heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” prompting a stronger presence of security forces in major cities in response to potential terrorist threats. The advisory warned that law enforcement facilities, military installations and major commercial centres could remain likely targets for terrorist organisations.

The mission advised US citizens to exercise caution, particularly during peak hours, and to observe good personal security practices. It urged them to be aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds and leave any area where military activity is observed. Citizens were also asked to monitor local media for updates, carry identification at all times, cooperate with authorities and review the Country Security Report for Pakistan.

The advisory comes after hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified sharply. Pakistan carried out air strikes on Afghan cities including Kabul and Kandahar under an operation reportedly named “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” claiming it targeted Taliban regime members and militants. Islamabad described the situation as an “open war” following months of cross-border clashes and alleged “unprovoked firing.”

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The escalation has disrupted a fragile truce that had been brokered late last year with mediation efforts by Qatar. While Pakistan claimed significant militant casualties in its strikes, the Taliban government in Afghanistan said Afghan forces had also inflicted losses on Pakistani troops. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghan forces killed dozens of Pakistani soldiers and captured several others, while reporting casualties on the Afghan side as well.

Amid the violence, Afghan authorities have signalled willingness to engage in negotiations, raising hopes that diplomatic efforts could prevent further escalation in the region.

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