On 16 August 2021, the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “During Ashura, the 9th and 10th days of Muharram, numerous processions of varying sizes will occur throughout Lahore on Wednesday, August 18, through Friday, August 20, 2021. Previous years have seen various security incidents associated with both the month of Muharram and specifically Ashura. U.S. citizens are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and large crowds in the vicinity of the Civil Secretariat, Anar Kali, Old Anar Kali, Shadman, Islampura, Shahdara, Badshahi Mosque, Mughalpura, Lal Pull, Bahar Shah Rd., Sanda, Chburchi and the Walled City (Motchi gate, Kashmiri bazar, Kotwali, Rang Mahal, Urdu bazar, Data Darbar and the Lower Mall area) during this time. Vehicular traffic will be heavier than usual with additional police checkpoints throughout the city.
“Due to the high potential for violence, in addition to warnings from Punjab Police to avoid unnecessary travel, American staff at the U.S. Consulate in Lahore are prohibited from traveling into the city during this time. The U. S. Consulate in Lahore strongly encourages U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings, unnecessary travel, and remain vigilant of their surroundings.”
The full text of the alert is available here.
