Pakistan’s reopens entire airspace for all flight operations: PAA

KARACHI: Pakistan’s airspace has been fully restored for all types of flights, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday.

The development comes after US President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire following Islamabad’s attack on New Delhi earlier today.

The airport authority spokesperson said that all airports in the country are available for normal flights.

He also said that passengers have been requested to contact the concerned airline for the latest schedule of their flights.

The restoration of Pakistan’s airspace comes hours after its closure was extended till 12 midnight yesterday, May 11, for all types of flights.

The authority said that the airspace was earlier closed amid tensions between Pakistan and India along the Line of Control (LoC).

The military spokesman said that on Saturday morning, India fired missiles at three air bases inside Pakistan, but all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) assets were safe.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed in a press conference that India fired surface-to-surface missiles at Noor Khan Base (Rawalpindi), Mureed Base (Chakwal) and Shorkot Air Base.

Later, Pakistan launched Operation ‘Bunyan-u-Marsoos’ targeting several Indian military installations. In the wake of the escalating tension, world powers intensified diplomatic efforts, which ultimately resulted in a mutually agreed ceasefire.

Speaking to a private news channel, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the US-backed ceasefire, saying that both sides agreed to stop the hostilities that began at 4:30 pm today.

Dar, a seasoned politician, said Pakistan has always been open to a ceasefire but made it clear that any future aggression by India would be met with a strong response.

He thanked all the countries that played a role in brokering the ceasefire, especially acknowledging the efforts of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Dar added that diplomatic efforts continued throughout the day, which resulted in the agreement this morning. He said Pakistan has always worked for regional peace without compromising its sovereignty.

According to Indian media, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also confirmed the ceasefire on the Indian side. He said that all military operations would be suspended and the Directors General Military Operations (DGMOs) of both sides would hold talks on May 12.