Intruders from the east: Indian warplanes violate Pakistan airspace
Two jets crossed and stayed in the airspace for two minutes.
A file photo of Pakistani F-16 jets. PHOTO: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
While Pakistan’s north-western territory airspace is continually violated by the US drones, the country’s eastern borders were also trespassed on Tuesday as two Indian fighter jets intruded on Pakistan’s Head Sulemanki area this morning to put the new government to yet another test.
According to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesman, two high speed Indian aircraft violated Pakistani airspace by venturing into Pakistan up to three nautical miles at about 10: 40 am in Attari, Fazilka sector. The aircraft stayed inside Pakistani airspace for about two minutes.
The spokesman said the PAF initiated prompt tactical actions and scrambled two fighter aircraft to challenge the intruders. Upon PAF actions, Indian aircraft exited the Pakistani airspace. According to some other reports, the two “high speed” Indian planes crossed the border and they reportedly entered five to seven miles inside Pakistan.
As soon as the violation occurred, the air traffic controller signalled the planes for a sign explaining the move. When no signal was sent back, the air traffic controller informed Pakistan Air Force. It was learnt that while the PAF was preparing to respond the violators, the Indian planes had already left Pakistani airspace after remaining here for two minutes.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry has conveyed Pakistan’s serious concern to the Indian High Commission over the airspace violation.
Pakistan considers today’s airspace violation as a contravention of the “1991 Agreement between Pakistan and India on Prevention of Airspace Violations”, a handout issued by the foreign office stated.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2013.
While Pakistan’s north-western territory airspace is continually violated by the US drones, the country’s eastern borders were also trespassed on Tuesday as two Indian fighter jets intruded on Pakistan’s Head Sulemanki area this morning to put the new government to yet another test.
According to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesman, two high speed Indian aircraft violated Pakistani airspace by venturing into Pakistan up to three nautical miles at about 10: 40 am in Attari, Fazilka sector. The aircraft stayed inside Pakistani airspace for about two minutes.
The spokesman said the PAF initiated prompt tactical actions and scrambled two fighter aircraft to challenge the intruders. Upon PAF actions, Indian aircraft exited the Pakistani airspace. According to some other reports, the two “high speed” Indian planes crossed the border and they reportedly entered five to seven miles inside Pakistan.
As soon as the violation occurred, the air traffic controller signalled the planes for a sign explaining the move. When no signal was sent back, the air traffic controller informed Pakistan Air Force. It was learnt that while the PAF was preparing to respond the violators, the Indian planes had already left Pakistani airspace after remaining here for two minutes.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry has conveyed Pakistan’s serious concern to the Indian High Commission over the airspace violation.
Pakistan considers today’s airspace violation as a contravention of the “1991 Agreement between Pakistan and India on Prevention of Airspace Violations”, a handout issued by the foreign office stated.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2013.