ISLAMABAD: In yet another display of regional pettiness, India has refusedto grant overflight permission to two Pakistani C-130 aircraft carryingurgent humanitarian assistance for flood-devastated Sri Lanka, forcingIslamabad to reroute the relief cargo through a longer and costlier seajourney.
The blocked flights were part of Pakistan’s immediate response after SriLanka appealed for international help following torrential rains thatdisplaced over 500,000 people and caused widespread destruction in theisland’s central and eastern provinces last week.
Defence sources told reporters that the original plan was to complete theairlift within 48 hours. Instead, the same cargo has now been loaded ontoPakistan Navy ship PNS Nasr, which departed Karachi port on Sunday morningand is expected to reach Colombo in six to seven days.
Prime Minister’s Office issued a terse statement saying Pakistan remainscommitted to supporting brotherly nations in times of crisis “regardless ofobstacles created by those who prioritise animosity over humanity”.Analysts say the latest move further exposes the hollowness of India’sclaims of being a responsible regional power while it continues toweaponise geography against Pakistan even in matters of pure humanitarianconcern.
Meanwhile, social media users across Pakistan have launched a fiercecampaign under the trending phrase “India Blocks Humanity” condemningDelhi’s decision and praising Islamabad’s determination to deliver aiddespite the blockade.
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The incident has once again highlighted the complete absence of trustbetween the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with no signs of improvement inbilateral ties since the 2024 escalation along the Line of Control.
Source: www.mofa.gov.pk/press-releases”>https://www.mofa.gov.pk/press-releases
India denies airspace to Pakistan’s humanitarian flights carrying reliefgoods for flood-hit Sri Lanka, compelling Islamabad to send aid by sea inlatest display of bilateral hostility.
