“Avoid unnecessary travel to Karachi:" Canada issues travel advisory to its citizens in Pakistan

The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens planning to travel to Pakistan, particularly emphasising the need to avoid visiting border areas and Karachi due to the “unpredictable” security situation, according to diplomatic sources in Islamabad.

The advisory aims to ensure the safety of Canadian citizens in Pakistan by highlighting potential safety risks, sources said.

Citing the threat of violence and terrorism, the Canadian High Commission urged its citizens to exercise heightened vigilance due to the volatile security situation, specifically avoid unnecessary travel to border regions within 10kms of the borders of China, India and Iran, as well as avoid non-essential travel to Karachi city.

According to the sources, the Canadian government further advised its citizens' to stay clear of protest zones and large gatherings, practicing vigilance in public spaces, and carrying photo identification at all times.

It recommended the Canadian citizens to remain prepared to change their travel schedules at short notice, closely monitor local media for updates, and adhere to directives issued by local authorities.

The Canadian government's travel advisory is issued against the backdrop of a significant rise in terrorist incidents, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Politically and security-wise, Pakistan has been facing a turbulent period, with large-scale protests and election-related turmoil contributing to a concerning atmosphere.

Pakistan experienced a worrying surge in suicide attacks in 2023, reaching the highest level in a decade, according to the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). 

With 29 attacks recorded till the last year November, the year surpassed even 2014, which witnessed 30 such incidents.