Pakistan’s capital on alert after explosion

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan’s capital was on high alert Sunday and embassies reviewed security measures after a bomb struck a restaurant crowded with foreigners, killing a Turkish aid worker and wounding at least 12 others including four FBI personnel.

Saturday’s attack appeared to be the first attack targeting foreigners in a recent wave of violence in Pakistan, which has been battling al-Qaida- and Taliban-linked militants.

“Four FBI personnel were slightly injured in the bombing attack in Pakistan,” said Special Agent Richard Kolko, an FBI spokesman. “The FBI is providing the necessary assistance to our employees and their families.”

The Saturday attack also came at a politically sensitive time — parliament is due to convene today, bringing to power foes of U.S.-allied President Pervez Musharraf.

A notice posted on the U.S. Embassy’s Web site late Saturday urged Americans “to avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate and to maintain a low profile,” also noting that “American citizens should stay alert, be aware of their surroundings, reduce travel to a minimum and act self-defensively at all times.”

U.S. policy prohibits families of American diplomats from accompanying them on assignment in Pakistan, but most other countries allow it. U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Kay Mayfield could not comment on whether the U.S. was taking measures such as sending home nonessential employees.

“Embassies are reviewing their security practices and the guidance they give to their employees,” Mayfield said.

Concrete barriers lined the streets Sunday of the upscale neighborhood around the Luna Caprese restaurant, a popular spot for expatriates in Islamabad and one of the few that serves alcohol. A dozen policemen stood guard outside the two-story villa in what had been considered a secure neighborhood where diplomats and government officials live.