Canada Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for Pakistan Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Military strikes and airspace closures prompt Ottawa to warn Canadians to exercise extreme caution

The Government of Canada has issued an urgent update to its travel advisory for Pakistan, effective May 7, 2025, citing severe and unpredictable security risks following Indian military air strikes and Pakistan’s subsequent military response. The advisory, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and posted on travel.gc.ca, urges Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution due to rising tensions and active military conflict.

The advisory comes in the wake of Indian air strikes launched as part of “Operation Sindoor,” which targeted what India described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab Province. Cities impacted by the strikes included Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, and Muridke. According to reports referenced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the strikes caused civilian casualties and damage to mosques and residential areas. Pakistan condemned the attacks as an act of war and responded with artillery fire across the Line of Control, further escalating tensions.

As part of its countermeasures, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority closed national airspace for at least 48 hours beginning May 7, grounding all flights at major hubs including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. International carriers such as Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France have suspended or rerouted flights to avoid the region. The ripple effects have disrupted travel throughout South Asia, with airports in northern India—including Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar—also impacted by temporary shutdowns.

The updated Canadian advisory specifically warns against travel near the Line of Control, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and conflict-affected zones in Punjab Province. Canadians are advised that consular assistance may be limited or unavailable in these regions due to security risks and government restrictions on access. “The Government of Canada may be unable to provide consular assistance in certain areas,” the advisory notes.

Canadians currently in Pakistan are encouraged to relocate to safer regions if possible and maintain regular communication with the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad. Emergency services are also available via Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. The advisory recommends registering with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) program to receive timely updates.

While the travel advisory does not explicitly mandate the cancellation of travel plans, officials strongly suggest postponing non-essential trips. Canadians are also advised to ensure their travel insurance provides adequate coverage for emergencies linked to armed conflict and political unrest.

The advisory was updated in direct response to India’s military actions, Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling, and the suspension of key bilateral agreements including the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement. With no clear path to de-escalation, Canadian authorities are urging citizens to monitor developments closely and to prioritize safety.

For more information and real-time updates on the situation, Canadians should consult the official travel advisory at travel.gc.ca or contact the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad.