US restricts official visits to Karachi hotels after threat alert

The US Consulate General Karachi received a report of a threat directed at high-end hotels in Karachi

The United States has temporarily limited visits by government personnel to high-end hotels in Karachi, Pakistan, after receiving a report of a threat, the State Department said on Friday.

The State Department said it sometimes declares areas in foreign countries off-limits to official U.S. government personnel. (AP/Representational Image)

"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 US Consulate General in Karachi has temporarily limited visits by official US government personnel to these hotels."

The State Department said it sometimes declares areas in foreign countries such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls and restaurants off-limits to official US government personnel in response to such threats.

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.