U.S. Embassy in Islamabad suspends consular services

Islamabad, Sep 25 (PTI) In the wake of the deadly
suicide attack on Marriott Hotel, the U.S. embassy here
Thursday suspended its consular services and said American
officials would no longer be permitted to stay in or frequent
hotels in the eastern city of Lahore.

A statement issued by the embassy said routine
consular services, including visa services, would be
temporarily suspended on September 25 and 26. All visa
interviews would be rescheduled, it said.

"Effective immediately U.S. government personnel are
no longer permitted to stay or frequent major hotels in
Lahore. Personnel are already prohibited from staying at or
frequenting major hotels in Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar,"
the statement said.

Two U.S. Marines were among the more than 50 people
killed when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden truck
into the gate of the hotel here on Saturday.

The deadly attack also injured 266 people and gutted
the five-star hotel, a favourite gathering spot for Westerners
and the Pakistani elite.

Western diplomatic missions have been on high alert
since the attack, which also killed the Czech Ambassador.

The U.S. embassy also said a travel advisory warning
American citizens against travelling to Pakistan would remain
in effect. The statement said the embassy would continue
providing emergency services to Americans.

"The embassy reiterates its advice to all Americans to
take appropriate individual precautions to ensure their safety
and security at all times. These measures include maintaining
good situational awareness, avoiding crowds and demonstrations
and keeping a low profile," the statement said.

"Americans should avoid setting patterns by varying
times and routes for all required travel. Americans should
ensure that their travel documents and visas are valid at all
times."