Flight operations to Gilgit and Skardu were suspended for a day on Wednesday due to intensified surveillance measures across Pakistan’s airspace, according to officials familiar with the matter. Authorities described the suspension as a temporary precaution, subject to ongoing review based on the regional security landscape.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar revealed that credible intelligence reports had indicated a potential military strike by India within the next 24 to 36 hours, allegedly using unsubstantiated claims linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam incident as a pretext.
The minister cautioned that any such action would have “catastrophic consequences for the entire region and beyond,” underscoring the gravity of the threat during a media briefing.
In response to emerging security concerns, airspace surveillance has been significantly increased. Enhanced security protocols have been issued to air traffic control, with directives aimed at ensuring strict monitoring of all flight activity.
Official sources confirmed that the scope of monitoring has now been expanded to cover all foreign aircraft traversing Pakistani airspace, with particular attention directed toward flights originating from or routed through India.
This move forms part of a wider national security initiative aimed at strengthening aerial defenses and ensuring rapid response capabilities in the event of any anomalous or unauthorized flight behavior.
Under the newly enforced security directives, any aircraft deemed suspicious will require high-level clearance before receiving authorization to proceed. Aviation personnel have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance and to implement the updated protocols without exception.
