The United Kingdom and Russia have issued updated travel advisories for their citizens regarding travel to Pakistan, citing heightened regional tensions and security concerns in the wake of the Pahalgam attack
In a statement available on the UK government’s website, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advised against all travel to certain parts of Pakistan and warned that travel insurance could be invalidated if citizens travel contrary to this advice.
The FCDO has advised against all but essential travel within five miles of the international border between Pakistan and India and against all travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control (LoC).
It has also issued advisories against all travel to Balochistan Province and within 10 miles of the border with Afghanistan. In addition, the FCDO has recommended avoiding travel to certain parts of India due to heightened tensions.
Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Pakistan has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Pakistan until the regional situation stabilizes. The advisory calls on Russian nationals to postpone any travel plans until tensions subside and stability is restored.
According to the embassy, the guidance was issued in light of escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, as well as inflammatory remarks by officials that have contributed to regional uncertainty.
These developments come as the diplomatic crisis between India and Pakistan deepens. Earlier this week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the immediate suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals and halted cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty.
The move follows what Indian officials have described as a terrorist attack targeting Hindu tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The attack claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, leaving several others injured.
In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) warned that any attempt by India to block water flow into Pakistan would be considered an act of war. The warning came after a high-level NSC meeting, which also approved the closure of the Wagah border crossing.
On Friday, Pakistan’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution rejecting India’s allegations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
Source: The Express Tribune