ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has decided to deny a request made by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind to allow the use of its airspace for his flight to Iceland.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced on Saturday that the decision was approved by Prime Minister Imran Khan in view of India’s continuing oppression of the people in occupied Kashmir.
The minister said New Delhi’s barbarism in Kashmir was a serious issue which he would take up with the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Qureshi highlighted that 34 days have passed since Indian authorities imposed a crippling curfew in occupied Kashmir before revoking the region’s special autonomy.
The decision to deny the request to Indian president comes weeks after Pakistan mulled over shutting airspace for India.
Earlier, Pakistan had allowed Indian Premier Narendra Modi to use its airspace for flight to France.
The Indian premier used Pakistans airspace as he headed on a state visit to France, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain from August 22 to August 26.
