Islamabad: The United Kingdom (UK) High Commission in Islamabad on Friday announced its decision to relax its travel advisory for Pakistan after almost five years, a news source reported. As per the publication, this roll-back would allow British citizens to travel by road to the northern areas of the country, including the Kalash and Bamboret valleys.
According to the information available, this is the first
major update in travel advice by Britain’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office
(FCO) since 2015. The update had come following a comprehensive review of the security
situation in Pakistan.
The statement by the British High Commission said that the return of British Airways and the recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Pakistan were major milestones for the improved security situation in the country.
The new High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Christian Turner, who
arrived in the country in December 2019, stated that the review of travel
advice was a priority for him. He added that the Pakistan government deserved
great credit for improving the security situation, and that he is delighted
that British nationals will now be able to see more of the country.
In the past, there was a travel restriction on the full route from Islamabad to Gilgit. Now, the restriction only applies to the section of the Karakoram Highway lying between Mansehra and Chilas. Travellers can bypass this section via an alternate route through the Kaghan Valley and Babusar Pass.
