ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally raised its concerns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding the risks posed to civil aviation safety by India’s “reckless and provocative actions,” the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Wednesday.
According to a statement by Pakistan Airports Authority spokesperson Mr Saifullah, Pakistan conveyed to ICAO that India’s unprovoked missile and air strikes during the night of 6–7 May endangered not only civilians on the ground but also commercial air traffic in the region.
“Such irresponsible acts have created serious risks for international and domestic flights operating in Pakistani airspace,” the spokesperson said.
The PAA assured that despite the situation, all airports across Pakistan remain fully operational, and the country’s airspace is secure.
“Through the safe and efficient management of national airspace, Pakistan continues to ensure the uninterrupted movement of both local and international commercial flights,” Mr Saifullah added.
Pakistan shoots down 5 Indian fighter jets
Earlier, Pakistan had briefly suspended flight operations at major airports following Indian air strikes that targeted multiple civilian locations in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli and Muzaffarabad.
In retaliation, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and a combat drone, and destroyed a brigade headquarters across the Line of Control (LoC), security sources said.
Pakistan authorises armed forces to strike India
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) convened on Wednesday and authorised the country’s armed forces to undertake “corresponding actions” in response to the Indian aggression.
The NSC condemned the missile, air and drone strikes carried out by India, describing them as “unprovoked, cowardly, and unlawful acts of war.”
The forum stated that India had deliberately targeted civilian areas on the false pretext of terrorist camps, resulting in the deaths of innocent men, women and children.
“Indian strikes targeted mosques, homes, and key infrastructure, including the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project,” security sources said.
The NSC also expressed grave concern over the endangerment of international civil aviation.
“India’s actions posed a serious risk to commercial airlines, including those belonging to friendly Gulf countries, putting thousands of passengers in harm’s way,” the statement said.
Pakistan affirms right to self-defence
Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the NSC reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and underscored the nation’s resolve to respond decisively to any provocations.
The forum also reiterated that Pakistan had offered a credible, transparent and neutral investigation following the April 22 attack in Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. However, New Delhi had rejected the offer.
“India’s refusal to acknowledge the truth, followed by unprovoked attacks on civilians, reflects the moral bankruptcy and political desperation of its leadership,” the statement added.
The committee urged the international community to take immediate notice and hold India accountable for escalating tensions and threatening regional peace.
