Australia warns citizens against Pakistan travel

Australia Wednesday issued a travel advisory for its citizens against travelling to Pakistan, asking them to reconsider their travel plans in the wake of a volatile security situation across the country.

"We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, sectarian violence and the unpredictable security situation," Dawn quoted the advisory posted on the Australian Embassy's website as saying.

The advisory said terrorist attacks can occur anywhere at any time in Pakistan, and pointed out to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera and Quetta as cities which have recently been targeted.

"Recent attacks have focused on Pakistani government targets, particularly security and military personnel and institutions, as well as places of worship and religious sites," it said.

The advisory also said the security at the Australian High Commission in Islamabad has been strengthened, advising Australian staff and citizens to "minimise their use of restaurants and international hotels", as well as potential targets and places previously attacked.

The advisory comes after a suspected suicide bomber killed five people, including two military officers, travelling near Rawalpindi, Islamabad's twin city Wednesday.

The attack comes in the wake of military action and air strikes by Pakistan in North Waziristan tribal region.