ISLAMABAD has warmly welcomed the United Kingdom government’s move of relaxing its travel advisory for British nationals due to improved security situation in Pakistan. Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have described the development as encouraging with prospects of salutary effect on the economy especially tourism. The positive travel advisory is also a tribute to the efforts of Pakistan Government and armed forces of the country for their relentless struggle in ensuring peace and security. There were times when Pakistan was identified with bomb blasts and target killings but sacrifices of the armed forces and law enforcing agencies have made a difference. The situation has improved so much that in its statement the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) pointed out that British nationals could now “travel by road to the north of Pakistan as well as the Kalesh and Bamboret Valleys”. It has also been acknowledged that improved security situation has allowed for the return of British Airways to Pakistan in June 2019 and the visit by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in October 2019. This is in sharp contrast to the advisory of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States to airlines warning them to remain alert during their travel in Pakistani airspace as they could come under attack from the terrorists. The UK advisory issued after detailed and minute analysis of the ground situation exposes political and biased nature of the US advisory. We hope that taking clue from the UK advisory, nationals of other countries would also firm up their plans for Pakistan to explore its beauty. At the same time, we also expect federal and provincial governments as well as national security institutions to remain vigilant to thwart plans aimed at spoiling positive image of the country by hostile agencies and countries that have vested interest to do so.
