Pak’s India flight likely to run into the ‘relationship’ hurdle

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the lone carrier maintaining direct air connectivity between India and Pakistan, may face the heat as a fall out of the strained relations between the two countries.

New Delhi

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the lone carrier maintaining direct air connectivity between India and Pakistan, may face the heat as a fall out of the strained relations between the two countries. (HT Archive)

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the lone carrier maintaining direct air connectivity between India and Pakistan, may face the heat as a fall out of the strained relations between the two countries.

The government is considering stepping up surveillance and vigil of PIA flights that land in Delhi and Mumbai, top sources told HT.

A major safety finding or a lapse can result in the plane being grounded by the Indian aviation safety regulator.

While no Indian carrier flies to Pakistan, PIA operates to Delhi and Mumbai.

“The possible steps that can be taken were discussed at a recent high-level meeting at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, the headquarters of the aviation ministry. Increased inspection and surveillance was one of them ,” a source said.

“We have briefed senior government officials. The decision, if any, will not be taken at our level,” said a ministry official, who did not wish to be named.

The government is also considering reviewing air links with Pakistan, HT had reported earlier. New Delhi is also reviewing the 56-year-old Indus Waters Treaty to explore ways to make optimum use of water from Pakistan-controlled rivers — as stipulated in the agreement, but not enforced fully.

These are part of non-military retributive steps the NDA government has initiated after the Uri attack, apart from stepping up efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.

India had snapped air links and overflying facilities with Pakistan after the Parliament attack in December 2001.