Aussies Told to Rethink Travel After India-Pakistan Missile Strike

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Australians are being urged to rethink any travel plans to Pakistan and parts of India after a serious escalation in tensions between the two countries. Early this morning, India reportedly fired missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, hitting five locations — including two spots within Pakistan’s undisputed borders (Ahmadpur East and Muridke) and three in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Kotli). Sadly, the attacks have claimed at least eight lives so far, including a child.

As a result, Australian authorities have updated their travel advice. The Smartraveller website, run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is now urging Australians to “reconsider” travelling to Pakistan, citing a volatile security situation. Certain regions, like parts of Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and border areas with Afghanistan and India, are already under “do not travel” warnings.

Adding to the tension, Pakistan has shut down the Wagah border crossing and all cross-border travel is suspended for now. If you were planning to cross into India from Pakistan — you’ll need to make new arrangements and stay tuned to local updates.

Meanwhile, the situation in India isn’t exactly calm either. Indian airlines have cancelled flights to several northern cities — including Srinagar (the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir), as well as Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, and Amritsar — due to airport closures. Australians in India are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, especially near the India-Pakistan border, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, and other sensitive regions.

If you're currently in India or Pakistan, DFAT recommends:

• Keeping a close eye on local news,

• Taking official warnings seriously,

• Following directions from local authorities,

• And checking with your airline before heading to the airport, as closures may happen with little notice.

Stay safe and updated if you or someone you know is in the region — the situation is evolving quickly.

More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.