New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) The government Tuesday advised Indian pilgrims to avoid visiting Pakistan in view of deteriorating security situation there following a string of militant attacks on military, police and civilian targets.
“The government of India is of the view that it is not advisable for the Indian pilgrims to visit Pakistan in the prevailing situation when frequent terrorist attacks are taking place in Punjab province of Pakistan, where all gurudwaras are situated,” said a statement issued by the home ministry.

“Accordingly, the government advises all Indian citizens to avoid undertaking any visit to Pakistan for this purpose, till the security situation in Pakistan improves.”

Nearly 200 people have been killed in the latest wave of militant violence, which started with a suicide bombing at the offices of the UN World Food Programme in Islamabad Oct 5.

The most audacious attack came on Oct 10 when 10 terrorists in military uniform laid siege to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, close to the capital. At least 19 people, including nine raiders, died in the 22-hour standoff.

The brazen attacks have shown a range of tactics and targets. While some have been suicide blasts by attackers on foot or in vehicles, others have involved teams of gunmen staging raids.

-

mk/jg