Pakistan labels India’s missile strikes as ‘act of war’, 26 people dead; DFA warns Irish citizens to avoid border areas between two countries

Irish citizens should avoid travelling to the border areas of India and Pakistan – DFA

Irish citizens have been advised to avoid travelling to the border areas of India and Pakistan and to exercise caution in the region, with the Department of Foreign Affairs describing the security situation in Pakistan as “tense and unpredictable”.

The current security status for both Pakistan and India urges Irish citizens to exercise a “high degree of caution”. 

Irish citizens in India have been advised to “exercise caution in public places, stay alert, monitor local news reports and to follow the advice of local authorities” following military activity by India and Pakistan on May 6 and 7.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said there may be flight delays and disruptions as it continues to advise against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, or Manipur. 

“India’s military has stated that it has attacked several targets in the Punjab and Pakistan-administered Kashmir regions of Pakistan on the night of May 7, with reports of a Pakistani military response into Indian territory,” the advice for Irish citizens in Pakistan reads.

“A state of emergency has subsequently been declared in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The security situation is tense and unpredictable.

“On the 7 May Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority indicated that it was closing Pakistan airspace for at least 48 hours. There are reports of flights being diverted. 

“Travellers should contact their airline for up-to-date information.”

Irish citizens have been urged to stay up to date “via the media, local authorities, your hotel, travel agency or airline” and to follow the instructions of the local authorities.