ISLAMABAD: Citing the risk of terrorism and violent protests, the United Kingdom has updated its advisory, directing the British nationals against travelling to different parts of Pakistan.
According to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), they should avoid all travel to Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan and South Waziristan districts of erstwhile tribal area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The list also includes Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner, Lower Dir and Peshawar districts.
⚠️ We've updated our travel advice. @FCDOGovUK advises against all but essential travel to the region of Gilgit Baltistan due to recent demonstrations and protests in the area. https://t.co/sSjUzNaUee
— UK in Pakistan ???????????????? (@ukinpakistan) September 2, 2023
Meanwhile, the British nationals have been advised against using N45 from the north of the Mardan Ring Road to the edge of Chitral district – and the section of the N35 (or Karakoram Highway) between the Mansehra Ring Road and the N15/N35 Chilas Interchange.
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The Canadian government too cited a threat of terrorism while describing the security situation in Pakistan as fragile and unpredictable.
In this connection, it warned of possible targeted killings and kidnappings, armed assaults, suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices.
We have added a regional risk level for the #GilgitBalistan region of #Pakistan to “Avoid all travel” due to violent protests. More info here: https://t.co/ByyQyYeF3W pic.twitter.com/1acaL6P6CZ
— Travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) August 31, 2023
About the possible targets, it mentioned sects or minority groups; government and military assets as well as personnel; places of worship; airports and other transportation hubs and networks; public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners; elections-related events and polling stations; and civil aviation facilities, including aircraft.
It advised against all travel to Gilgit-Baltistan and the areas within 50 kilometres of the border with Afghanistan and within 10 kilometres of China, India and Iran.
