Pakistan rejects Indian president’s request to use its airspace

Pakistan rejects Indian president’s request to use its airspace

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has decided not to allow the Indian President use its airspace for the visit to the Iceland.

Talking to PTV News on Saturday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the decision had been taken after approval from the Prime Minister and keeping in view the prevailing dire situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK) where India has unleashed a wave of oppression and tyranny.

The FM said that New Delhi’s barbarism in Kashmir was a serious issue which he would take up with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Qureshi highlighted that 34 days have passed since Indian authorities imposed a crippling curfew in occupied Kashmir before revoking the region’s special autonomy.

The decision to deny the request to Indian president comes weeks after Pakistan mulled over shutting airspace for India.

Earlier, Pakistan had allowed Indian Premier Narendra Modi to use its airspace for flight to France.

The Indian premier used Pakistans airspace as he headed on a state visit to France, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain from August 22 to August 26.

This is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan downgraded diplomatic relations with New Delhi and suspended all bilateral trade following India's decision to repeal Article 370. The Indian ambassador was asked to leave and train and bus services with India were also suspended.

The government reportedly has also been considering closing the entire Pakistani airspace to Indian flights.