Following riots there in response to the detention of a Shia cleric by Pakistani security forces, Canada has issued a travel advisory for the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). Here are the details of what Canada’s travel advisory states.
Canada Issued Travel Advisory For Travellers
The Canadian government issued a revised travel warning to avoid visiting the Pakistan-administered region due to violent protests. The protests were held after a local religious leader was detained on August 31, 2023, in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Security personnel and demonstrators have engaged in physical conflict. Traffic and public transit have been disrupted as a result of the demonstrations.
The Shia priest Agha Baqir al-Hussaini’s detention, who had opposed the tightening of blasphemy laws, was being discussed. Canada urged visitors to exercise a high degree of caution when in Pakistan because of the unpredictable security environment. Terrorism, civil upheaval, sectarian bloodshed, and kidnapping are all threats.
Also Read: Pakistan Travel Restrictions: WHO Extends Ban For 3 Months Amid Polio Breakout; See Advisory
Locations Mentioned In The Advisory
In reality, the advice against travel is posted in several locations throughout Pakistan. These include areas that are less than 50 kilometres from the Afghan border, 10 kilometres or less from the borders with India, China, and Iran, and 10 kilometres or less from the Line of Control, or PoK. Additionally, a stretch of the Karakoram Highway, the entirety of the Balochistan province, and a large portion of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region are also included.
There are also warnings for well-known Pakistani cities. Canada advises against visiting Karachi for non-essential reasons. Hindustan Times reported that terrorism poses a problem in Pakistan and the state of security is precarious and unreliable. All around the nation, many terrorist organisations are active, according to the comprehensive travel warning.
Additionally, it was highlighted Ottawa may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in certain regions where there are serious security concerns. The statement, which referred to the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stated that protests continue around the nation and that Pakistani security forces are on high alert in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.
Also Read: Fight Breaks At Pakistani Wedding As Mamu Did Not Get Enough Mutton Pieces In Biryani, Watch!
Referring to women’s safety, the advisory states that women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia