ISLAMABAD, OCTOBER 28— Pakistan has rejected a request by India to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi use its airspace, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement here on Sunday.
According to the statement, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the decision had been taken to show solidarity on the black day being marked by Pakistan, and in light of the recent human rights violations by the Indian forces in occupied Kashmir.
Islamabad would inform the Indian High Commissioner of the decision through a written statement, he added.
Reacting over the Pakistan’s move, India has reportedly complained to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), saying that such overflight clearances for VVIP special flights are granted routinely by “any normal country”.
“Overflight clearances are sought, and granted by other countries as per prescribed ICAO guidelines and India will continue to seek such overflight clearances. Separately, we have taken up the matter of such denial with the relevant international civil aviation body,” the government sources were quoted as saying by NDTV.
“Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well-established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action.”
Earlier in September, Pakistan refused to let Modi use its airspace for his travel to the USA. Pakistan also didn’t allow the Indian President use its airspace for travel to Iceland, media reports stated.
–With Inputs From IANS
