India closed on Wednesday (30) its airspace for Pakistani airlines, the government said days after its neighbor banned Indian airlines from flying over their territory after the death of 26 people in an attack on tourists in Caxemira.
The ban will last from April 30 to May 23, the Indian government said in a statement.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a telephone call on Wednesday night that he “categorically rejected Indian attempts to bind Pakistan to the case,” according to a statement from Sharif’s office.
He asked for a transparent, reliable and neutral investigation and asked the US to press India to “reduce rhetoric and act responsibly,” he added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It is likely that the impact of the ban on the Pakistan air sector is less than on India, as only Pakistan International Airlines operates routes for Kuala Lumpur using Indian airspace.
Last week, Pakistan closed its airspace to owned airlines or operated by India, suspending all trade, including through other countries, and interrupting the emission of special visas from southern Asia for Indian citizens.
The Pia, the national airline, said on Tuesday (29) that he had decided to avoid Indian airspace due to the growing bilateral tensions.
Pakistan said on Wednesday it has “reliable information” that India intends to launch a military action soon, as the tensions between neighbors increase after the deadly attack on tourists.
India identified the three attackers, including two Pakistani citizens, such as “terrorists” who are promoting a violent revolt in Cashmira, mostly Muslim.
Islamabad denied any participation and requested a neutral investigation.
Since the attack, the two countries, which have nuclear weapons, have adopted a number of measures, including the suspension of the Indian water treaty.
This content was originally published in India closes airspace for Pakistan airlines on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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