The UK Government has issued a travel warning for anyone travelling to Islamabad and Rawalpindi after the Pakistani government suspended mobile and internet services
The Foreign Office has issued a stern warning to Brits planning to travel to Pakistan, advising them to ‘stay away’. The alert comes after the Pakistani government suspended mobile and internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and sealed off the capital’s entry and exit routes ahead of a planned march by the radical Islamist party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), on Friday, October 10.
Violent clashes between law enforcement officials and members of the TLP in Lahore city have already left dozens injured over an anti-Israel protest, according to police reports on Thursday. This follows the announcement by the TLP of their intention to hold an anti-Israel demonstration outside the US embassy in Islamabad on Friday, prompting the Punjab police to raid the TLP headquarters and arrest its chief, Saad Hussain Rizvi.
Violence erupted in the city late on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday following the crackdown by the Punjab police.
In a statement today, the Foreign Office said: “Protests have resulted in the government restricting movements in and around Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore. Travel in and around these areas may be disrupted. Mobile data coverage has been suspended in some areas. British nationals are advised to stay away from all political demonstrations and large gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued separate warnings advising against all travel within 10 miles of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and within 5 miles of the international border between Pakistan and India, with the exception of the Grand Trunk highway to India via the Wagah border.
In a statement released by the US Embassy, it was stated: “U.S. Embassy Islamabad and the U.S. Consulates General in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar are monitoring planned protest activity across Pakistan on October 10, 2025. Large crowds and traffic congestion are expected, along with a precautionary security presence, an increased number of checkpoints, and associated disruptions to local mobile and internet networks in the region.
“These protests may cause traffic delays/detours due to closed or blocked roads in the vicinity of the demonstrations. The duration of the protests is unknown. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain aware of their surroundings. Protests can be fluid in nature and even peaceful ones can turn violent.”
Actions to Take:
- Avoid areas of large public gatherings.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of a large gathering and/or demonstration.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Keep a low profile.
- Carry identification and cooperate with police.