Karachi police on alert after US warning to Americans

KARACHI, APRIL 1: Pakistani police have adopted strict security measures after a US warning to Americans about a threat to kidnap a US cit...

KARACHI, APRIL 1: Pakistani police have adopted strict security measures after a US warning to Americans about a threat to kidnap a US citizen around Karachi, the city’s police chief said on Saturday.

"We have been conveyed the information from the US embassy and we have taken adequate security measures," Javed Iqbal, told AFP. "Armed policemen have been deployed oustide and in the surroundings of their (American) residences," Iqbal said.

"We have taken other preventive measures as well." The US State Department said in a statement that the United States embassy in Islamabad "has information regarding a possible kidnapping of an American in or around Karachi between March 31 and April 6."

"Although the information is unconfirmed, it is prudent for all Americans to review their security practices, particularly being aware of their surroundings and varying their travel Times and routes," it said. The warning comes only one week after US President Bill Clinton visited Pakistan as part of his South Asian tour. Karachi has a history of political, ethnic and sectarian violence, claiming more than 4,000 lives over the the last four years.