India Closes Airspace to Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack; NOTAM Issued Amid Rising LoC Tensions
Six days after Pakistan restricted its airspace to Indian flights, India responded by issuing a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on Wednesday, barring Pakistani civil and military aircraft from entering Indian airspace until May 23. This decision follows New Delhi’s strong countermeasures in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.
India’s firm resolve to retaliate for the loss of 26 lives in the Pakistan-backed terror strike has coincided with a surge in ceasefire violations and cross-border activities along the Line of Control (LoC).
Following a high-level meeting with military leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the armed forces have full autonomy in selecting the time, targets, and method of response. He also voiced his unwavering trust in the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
Top-Level Security Meet Held as Pakistan Cancels Flights to PoJK Amid India Conflict Fears
A high-level security meeting was held today, attended by Army Chief, National Security Advisor, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
In a move prompted by fears of a potential Indian strike, Pakistan on Wednesday suspended all flights to Gilgit, Skardu, and other regions of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, citing security concerns. Officials noted that the flight ban followed a comprehensive review of the country’s airspace security protocols. Enhanced surveillance of foreign aircraft has also been initiated.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the risk of conflict with India is steadily rising, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by various nations to ease tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Asif addressed the escalating security situation, according to a report by news agency PTI.