Pakistan has taken a drastic step by cancelling all flights to the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amidst rising tensions with India. This decision comes in the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 innocent tourists were gunned down in a religiously-motivated assault.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended all flights to and from Gilgit and Skardu in PoK. Reports have confirmed that the scheduled flights from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to Skardu, as well as from Islamabad to Gilgit, have been cancelled. The move is seen as a precautionary measure to secure Pakistan’s airspace and prevent any potential military action by India.
The heightened security measures extend beyond PoK, with Islamabad increasing surveillance and vigilance across the country. The recent attack, claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group The Resistance Front, has sparked outrage and condemnation globally. Kashmiris have protested against terrorism and blamed Pakistan for supporting such heinous acts, while Indians have expressed anger and solidarity with the victims.
It remains unclear whether the flight cancellations are temporary or long-term. However, Pakistan’s focus on securing its airspace and monitoring potential threats reflects the seriousness of the situation. The cowardly attack in Pahalgam has underscored the need for collective action against terrorism and religious extremism.
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in the region. The tragic incident in Pahalgam serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorism and the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat it.
