New Delhi: The Indian government on Friday accused Pakistan of jeopardising civilian lives by keeping its airspace open during a drone and missile attack on Indian cities on Thursday night.
During a press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated that Pakistan launched an unprovoked ‘failed’ drone and missile attack on May 7 at around 8.30 pm, targeting Indian territory.
India criticised Pakistan for not closing its civilian airspace, alleging it was a deliberate tactic to use commercial flights as shields against potential Indian counterstrikes. “Pakistan is using civil airliners as shields, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response,” she said.
Singh noted that Pakistan’s failure to suspend civilian flights, despite the aggression, endangered both domestic and international passengers, especially near the international border. “This is not safe for the unsuspecting civil airliners including the international flights which were flying near IB between India and Pakistan.”
The Indian Air Force presented radar data showing active civilian air traffic over Pakistan, in contrast to India’s immediate airspace closure in affected areas.
India condemned Pakistan’s actions as reckless, highlighting the risks to innocent passengers and noting the IAF’s restraint in avoiding immediate retaliation to protect civilian flights in Pakistani airspace.
