Canada removes Islamabad from ‘avoid non-essential travel’ cities list

The Canadian government has removed Islamabad from its list of “avoid non-essential travel” cities.

The country’s official travel and tourism website was updated on August 30 and now lists Islamabad as a “exercise a high degree of caution” city.

The government’s website identifies four risk levels: avoid all travel, avoid non-essential travel, exercise a high degree of caution and exercise normal security precautions.

Places in the first two categories are where the Government of Canada says safety and security of Canadians living or traveling may be compromised.

Pakistan is generally listed under the avoid non-essential travel category with some exceptions, Islamabad being one. Areas within 10km of all international borders (except Wagah border crossing point), Kashmir region, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa all fall under the avoid all travel category.

Earlier in May, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Canada Tariq Azim Khan said the relations between Pakistan and Canada are based on strong foundations of friendship and cooperation.

“We have to take it to new heights,” he stressed while addressing the annual dinner of Canada-Pakistani Business Association in Manitoba. Moreover, Pakistan has laid the foundation of sustained growth, he said adding that the government’s prudent policies have restored macroeconomic stability.

Source: Express Tribune