Pakistan not to open airspace for India

Author:
Publication: Rediff on Net
Date: July 23, 2002
URL: http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/23war1.htm

Pakistan has no intention to open its airspace for Indian aircraft in the near future, Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (retd) Hamid Nawaz Khan has said.

"We are not in a hurry and would take a decision after considering all the aspects," Khan reportedly told newsmen at the passing out parade of Airport Security Force at their training school in Karachi on Monday.

"Closure of Indian airspace for Pakistani aircraft was an irrational act," he said describing the India's June decision to reopen its skies Pakistani aircraft as an attempt to 'redress their blunder by putting the ball in our court'.

The defence secretary pointed out that India has not allowed any landing rights to Pakistani aircraft.

"Losses being incurred by India due to the restriction were several times that of Pakistan, so how could we allow them to overfly our airspace," Khan said.

Officials say Indian losses are five times greater than Pakistan. Pakistan International Airlines has estimated its losses at Rs 250 million.

India withdrew airspace facilities for Pakistani carriers on January 2 after the December 13 attack on Parliament and Pakistan reciprocated by banning Indian planes from its skies.

Later in June, Indian government revoked the decision.
 


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