(Image source from: Twitter.com/Official_PIA)

In a state of shock and anguish following missile strikes by Indian forces on numerous terrorist camps located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and within Pakistan's own territory, the country has resolved to completely close its airspace. Until now, Pakistan had restricted airspace only for aircraft owned, leased, or operated by Indian carriers. However, in response to these precise military strikes from India, authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the headquarters of the Pakistani Army, have announced that the country's airspace will be inaccessible to all nations, including its own civilian flights. Reports suggest that only a limited number of essential flights may still be allowed.

According to an order from Pakistan's aviation authority, the airspace has been designated as a no-fly zone for the next 48 hours. While the Pakistani government has labeled this action as a precaution, it has also pledged to respond. It is important to recognize that India’s military actions are a direct response to the links of Pakistan to cross-border terrorism, specifically linked to the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The incident was driven by religious motives and occurred shortly after a contentious speech by Pak Army chief Asim Munir. Therefore, any counteraction by Pakistan at this juncture will likely be interpreted as an escalation rather than an act of retaliation, according to military analysts.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened the national security council to discuss Pakistan's potential responses. During and in the short aftermath of India's strikes on the terror camps, which occurred between 1:05 am IST and 1:30 am IST, all flights headed to Islamabad and Lahore were redirected to Karachi Airport, leading to significant disruptions in flight operations. This was followed by a complete closure of the airspace, aside from a few essential flights. India has similarly restricted civilian flight operations at several airports along its western border with Pakistan. New Delhi has assured the international community that it will “retaliate resolutely” should Pakistan decide to escalate the situation.

On Wednesday morning, the Indian armed forces executed missile strikes targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of Operation Sindoor.