In a step in the wake of growing tensions with India after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed several people, Pakistan suspended all domestic flights to Gilgit and Skardu. The move came after a re-examination of the national airspace safety procedures.
According to an official, this precautionary step applied to all other flights to northern Pakistan areas as well.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been directed to strictly monitor foreign flights, especially those originating from India. International airlines that fly over from Indian airspace have been specially scrutinized. Moreover, the National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan held a top-level meeting where it was decided to adopt a tit-for-tat approach to the actions of India, including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border and declaring Pakistani officials at the Indian High Commission Persona Non Grata. India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and imposed visa restrictions on Pakistani nationals under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
In retaliation, Pakistan has already sealed its airspace to Indian carriers, imposing a ban on Indian airlines such as Air India, IndiGO, and Akasa Air. Indian military and VIP movement by air are also covered by the ban. This is being imposed for the first time for a month but could be extended.
In addition, in a dramatic turn of events, Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar made a threat at a midnight emergency briefing that India might attack Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours. The threat has increased fears regarding the changing security situation between the two countries.
Read also| Indian Student Missing in Canada for Three Days Found Dead
