THERE is news that Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for Indian carriers, for the fourth time, till July 12.

I am surprised why Pakistan has to extend this ban in a piecemeal manner. I would rather say Pakistan should place a ban for an indefinite period and let the neigbouring country keep guessing as to when, if at all, the ban will be lifted.

It is evident that because of this ban, Indian carriers have to use a longer route to the west, resulting in more flight time and higher air fares. India has been bullying Pakistan on different occasions and does not let go of any opportunity to use its heavy muscle whenever it can, especially trying to isolate Pakistan economically and internationally.

Unfortunately, an avid cricket observer, as the undersigned is, would also have noticed how India lost conveniently to England just to ensure that Pakistan does not make it to semifinals of the ongoing World Cup.

Even the Indian media and their commentators were amazed how the run chase, apparently within India’s potential reach, was abandoned in the last 10 overs.

Given the above scenarios, the least Pakistan can do to inflict some (moral and financial) pain on India is to close its airspace for an indefinite period. The small part of the airspace, via Balochistan that was opened in April, should also be closed with immediate effect.

Sohail Mirza
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2019