Air links talks Pakistan to push for no unilateral withdrawal
By Qudssia Akhlaque
ISLAMABAD, June 27: Pakistan has decided to push for a formal arrangement that would stop India from unilaterally snapping air link between the two countries, defence ministry sources told Dawn.
These sources said that Pakistan would take this proposal to the negotiating table where Pakistan and Indian civil aviation authorities would discuss the mechanics of restoring the air link between the two countries.
Pakistan has taken this decision in view of the fact that the Indian government has unilaterally withdrawn this facility twice since 1971, putting Pakistan at a great disadvantage.
“The unilateral stalling of the air links by India has caused much disruption and revenue losses to Pakistan that has far limited resources than India,” maintained sources in the Civil Aviation Authority.
Stating “Pakistan government’s position” on this issue, these sources said resumption of air links between the two countries would have to follow negotiations for an inbuilt mechanism that safeguards the interest of both parties.
“Pakistan has no problem in restoring the civil aviation links and give clearance for over-flights but we are clear that first a proper agreement has to be worked out to keep a check against any unilateral step in future,” sources said.
After the conclusion of discussions on resumption of bi-weekly New Delhi-Lahore bus service last week, India earlier this week suggested to Pakistan early convening of technical-level talks for restoring air-links.
