Threat in Pakistan? US asks officials to limit visits to high-end hotels in Karachi

The State Department Friday issued an alert to government officials in Pakistan asking them to limit their visits to high-end hotels in Karachi, citing a report of a threat. "The US Consulate General Karachi received a report of a threat directed at high-end hotels in Karachi," the department said in a security alert.

The security alert urges people to avoid the areas and crowds, keep a low profile and to stay alert in places frequented by tourists and citizens of Western countries.

The State Department currently has a travel advisory in place for Pakistan that advises US citizens to reconsider traveling there due to the risk of terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

Actions to take, as specified by Consulate General's alert

• Avoid the areas.
• Avoid crowds.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners.

The security alert comes as the US and Pakistan are going to start a massive oil partnership. Pakistan is set to get its first crude oil shipment from the US later this year. Trump said the US will be helping Pakistan develop 'massive oil reserves'.

Pakistan's largest refiner Cnergyico will import 1 million barrels of oil from Vitol in October, Cnergyico's Vice Chairman Usama Qureshi said. Cnergyico could consider buying at least 1 million barrels of US oil a month after it evaluates the first shipment, given its current monthly demand stands at 4.6 million barrels, he said.

As US and Pakistan turn a new chapter in their bilateral relationship, Trump announced a 19% tariff on Pakistani goods in a sharp decline from what was earlier announced -- 29%. Pakistan hailed a trade deal struck with the United States, its top export market, and said the agreement would increase investments.

Oil is Pakistan's biggest import item and its shipments were valued at $11.3 billion in the year ended June 30, 2025, accounting for nearly a fifth of the country's total import bill, Reuters reported.