Islamabad: When Pakistan failed to get the international community on its side in the Kashmir issue, the only thing that remained for them to get even with India seems to be the airspace. That is why the Islamic country, today, rejected India’s request to use Pakistani airspace for Narendra Modi to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Pakistani Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said in a statement, “Indian Prime Minister wanted to use our airspace but we denied permission in the perspective of black day being observed by Kashmiris today to condemn Indian occupation and ongoing grave human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir.”
He also said that the Indian High Commissioner will be informed in writing about his government’s decision. Last month, Pakistan had denied permission to use its airspace for Indian President, Ram Nath Kovind, to travel to Iceland. The Pakistanis also did not allow Modi to fly to the United States, last month, to take part in the United National General Assembly.
Reports say that India requested the airspace for Modi’s flight to Saudi Arabia to attend an international business forum and to hold high level talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
The visit is crucial as both the countries will sign an agreement to establish the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
Pakistan is upset after it failed to garner international support against India’s decision to scrap Article 370. Barring a few countries most of the world powers and other countries backed India’s decision to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir with India. The government’s decision also attracted widespread support from the people of the country.
