The UK, US, and Canada have issued travel advisories to their citizens in Pakistan following the dramatic arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. The 71-year-old opposition leader was taken into custody on Tuesday from a court in Islamabad, sparking violent protests across the country.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advised British citizens to avoid all political demonstrations, large crowds, and public events, and to be prepared to change plans as necessary. The advisory noted that while most protests remain peaceful, they can turn violent and escalate quickly.
The US embassy also issued a warning, cancelling all consular appointments for Wednesday and urging citizens to exercise heightened vigilance and avoid locations with large crowds. Canada’s embassy similarly asked its citizens and diplomatic staff to exercise a high degree of caution, citing an unpredictable security situation, terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence, and kidnapping.
Violent demonstrations followed Khan’s arrest, with at least one person killed in Quetta and dozens wounded nationwide. Mobile internet and major social media platforms have been shut down across Pakistan, according to local media reports. Khan is expected to appear in court later on Wednesday for a hearing on whether he can be held for up to 14 days.
