Travel warning issued for Pakistan

The U.S. State Department Monday issued a travel warning for Pakistan, reminding U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in that country. Although Pakistan has upgraded security measures, especially in major cities, the State Department warned the presence of al-Qaida, Taliban and other militant terrorists pose a danger to U.S. citizens. Terrorists allegedly disguise themselves as Pakistani security personnel to gain access to places where U.S. and other westerners gather such as hotels, schools, clubs, restaurants, outdoor recreation events, shopping areas or places of worship. Extremists have upped their attacks on U.S. citizens and government personnel since January 2010 in coordinated operations by multiple terrorists using weapons such as car bombs, rocket-propelled grenades, guns, grenades and suicide vests in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar, a State Department release said. Markets, hotels, and/or restaurants are off limits to official U.S. personnel. It is strongly suggested while in Pakistan U.S. citizens avoid hotels that do not have strict security measures in place. It is also recommended citizens stay alert at all times, the State Department said.