UK and Canada Issue Travel Advisory for Gilgit Baltistan Amidst Protests
In a recent development, the British High Commission in Islamabad has cautioned its citizens against non-essential travel to Gilgit Baltistan. This advisory comes in the wake of ongoing demonstrations and protests in the area. Additionally, certain other regions have also been flagged as areas to avoid unless travel is absolutely necessary.
Areas with Travel Restrictions:
- Arandu Town in Lower Chitral: The British High Commission advises against all travel to this area due to the prevailing unrest.
- Road between Mirkhani and Arandu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: This route is marked as a no-go zone for British citizens.
- Southern Coast of Balochistan: Gwadar and Nawabshah city in Sindh are also included in the list of regions where non-essential travel should be avoided.
- Further Travel Cautions: The UK government extends its travel advisory to various districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Baujar, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan. Additionally, Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner, Lower Dir, and Peshawar are areas where heightened caution is advised.
Meanwhile, the High Commission of Canada to Pakistan has also revised its travel advisory for Canadian nationals in the country. They are strongly discouraged from traveling to Gilgit Baltistan due to the volatile protests. Furthermore, non-essential travel to Karachi is discouraged due to concerns about violence and the potential risk of terrorism.
These travel advisories serve as a reminder for citizens to prioritize their safety and security when planning trips to these regions, especially during times of unrest and protest activity. Travelers are urged to stay informed about the situation and make prudent decisions regarding their travel plans.