Pakistan Security Situation Deteriorates – Cross-Border Conflict Escalates
On February 26, 2026, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated dramatically with coordinated cross-border attacks. Pakistan carried out airstrikes on targets in Kabul and multiple Afghan provinces, while Pakistani authorities reported that drones were intercepted and destroyed. The situation remains highly volatile, with further strikes possible with no warning.
Canada's government now advises all travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in Pakistan due to the unpredictable security situation, threat of terrorism, regional violence, civil unrest, sectarian violence, and kidnapping.
No-Go Zones: Where You Cannot Travel
The Canadian government explicitly advises avoid all travel to these areas:
50 km zone around the Pakistan-Afghanistan border
10 km zones around borders with China, India, and Iran (except official crossings at Wagah and Khunjerab Pass)
Balochistan Province – completely off-limits due to nationalist insurgency and government counter-insurgency operations
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (except safe districts: Haripur, Abbottabad, Chitral) – unstable due to terrorism, sectarian violence, and political violence
Pakistan-administered Kashmir and areas within 10 km of the Line of Control
Major Cities Still Operational – But With Heightened Security
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi remain accessible but with significantly increased security measures. Local authorities have heightened security around diplomatic areas in all three cities, and security forces continue to be on high alert.
What this means: Expect military presence, security checkpoints without warning, potential movement restrictions, and possible curfews. Communication networks may be disrupted, and roadblocks could cause significant disruptions to traffic and airport access.
Karachi Specific Warning: Avoid High-Risk Areas
Certain sectors of Karachi experience extremely high levels of violence:
Lyari
Malir
Quaidabad
Orangi Town
Extremist groups are present in some parts of the city, and there have been terrorist attacks on high-profile targets, including the Stock Exchange and Chinese Consulate in recent years.
