Giriraj Singh on Pak denying airspace: Will take up issue with ICAO

Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Giriraj Singh on Monday said that Pakistan's denial of use of its airspace to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft is a violation of international norms. Pakistan on Sunday turned down a request from India for the use of its airspace for PM Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia.

'Vinashkalay Viprit Buddhi'

Speaking to news agency ANI, Singh said, "Vinashkalay Viprit Buddhi. We will take up the issue with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This is a violation of international norms."

India has taken up the issue of denial of overflight clearance to the ICAO, sources in the government have said. According to the sources, overflight clearances are sought and granted by other countries as prescribed by the ICAO guidelines.

GVL Narasimha Rao slams Pakistan

Earlier on Monday, BJP's National Spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao slammed Pakistan for rejecting an official request by India to let PM Modi use its airspace for his Saudi Arabia visit. Narasimha Rao said that Pakistan is showcasing to the whole world that it is "not a normal country." He said, "Pakistan's repeated attempts at refusing overflight clearance to the flights of the honourable Prime Minister and in some instances even the President of India, only betrays Pakistan's utter contempt, lack of civility and act of conformation towards international practices and protocols."

"Pakistan is not a normal country" 

The BJP MP added, "Rather than making it a protest move, Pakistan is showcasing to the whole world that it is not a normal country that follows any kind of international norms and that indulges in unacceptable practices when as far as international relations are concerned."

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Pakistan's childish move

According to the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the decision had been taken to show solidarity on a black day being marked by Pakistan, and in light of the recent human rights violations by the Indian forces in "occupied" Kashmir. Islamabad would inform the Indian High Commissioner of the decision through a written statement, he added.

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(With ANI inputs)