Drew Binsky says he is safe but stranded near PoK; plans road journey to Kabul after Pakistan shuts down airspace
Islamabad, May 10 – Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, popular American travel vlogger Drew Binsky has revealed he is stranded in northern Pakistan, near the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region, after Islamabad shut down airspace nationwide due to the ongoing conflict.
Taking to Instagram, Binsky shared a video showing protests and daily life continuing in the region even as missile and drone activity dominates headlines. “I’m stuck in Pakistan right now due to the conflict with India, and all airports are closed,” he wrote. “Thanks for all your thoughts and messages — I’m doing okay! I love this country and excited to continue exploring the northern regions until I can get out. Make peace, not war.”
Also Read: India Temporarily Shuts 32 Airports, Reroutes Flights Amid Rising Border Tensions
“Shops are open… Just another day here”
In his video, Binsky said, “I’m actually up here in the north, near Kashmir, which is the tense region. It’s pretty crazy to be here right now.” He thanked followers for their concern, adding, “It’s a pretty crazy feeling to be stuck in a country where all the borders are closed.”
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Despite the geopolitical situation, the YouTuber noted that locals seemed largely unfazed. “People here are pretty unbothered by what’s going on. Shops are open… just another day in the life here,” he remarked.
Also Read: Bomb Threat at Delhi Stadium After Operation Sindoor: DDCA Confirms Security Scare
From Islamabad to Kabul
Binsky had planned to return to the U.S. from Islamabad this weekend, but with all commercial flights grounded, his new plan is to travel by road to Kabul and catch an outbound flight from the Afghan capital.
Background: Operation Sindoor and Regional Fallout
Binsky’s situation highlights the broader impact of the military standoff that began with India’s Operation Sindoor — a targeted missile strike on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK, launched on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
Since then, Pakistan has responded with drone and artillery attacks, with multiple Indian cities reporting attempted intrusions that were repelled. India has closed 32 airports to civilian traffic, and Pakistan followed suit by shutting its entire airspace after being accused of using civilian aircraft as cover during its attacks.
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