ISLAMABAD– Pakistan has suspended all domestic flights to Gilgit and Skardu, key regions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in response to rising tensions with India following last week’s deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
The suspension, announced Wednesday, was described by officials as a precautionary measure following a review of national airspace safety protocols. “All flights to the northern regions have been halted temporarily to ensure passenger safety,” a Pakistani official confirmed. Flights to other parts of northern Pakistan have also been affected.
In addition to the suspension of domestic routes, Pakistan has ramped up its monitoring of foreign flights, particularly those crossing into its airspace from India. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been directed to intensify scrutiny of all inbound foreign aircraft, with a focus on security assessments and compliance with revised protocols.
The flight cancellations follow a high-level meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), during which the government formulated a response to recent Indian actions. These include India’s closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing, the expulsion of Pakistani defense and security officials from its High Commission in New Delhi, the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and the halting of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
In a retaliatory move, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian carriers, affecting major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to formalize the ban, which is expected to remain in place for at least one month. The restrictions also apply to Indian military and VIP aircraft.
Addressing the escalating situation in a late-night press briefing, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar issued a stark warning, claiming that India could launch a military strike on Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours. The claim has not been independently verified.
The latest developments mark a sharp deterioration in relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, which have experienced heightened tensions since the attack in Pahalgam. The international community has called for restraint, urging both sides to avoid further escalation. (Source: IANS)
