New Delhi: India has categorically dismissed reports that Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's right to fly over India was denied by the authorities here during his recent visit to Pakistan.
Sections of Pakistan media quoting government officials have been reporting that Mahathir's flight took much longer to reach Pakistan because India did not allow him to use its airspace.
Sources said the "truth" was that Pakistan has blocked its own airspace for flights overflying India. Therefore, even though DGCA had given overflight clearance, the Malaysian PM's flight had to take a longer route due to restrictions on Pakistani airspace, they said.
The reports that India denied permission to Mohamad's flight are "false and motivated", the sources said.
Mahathir's three-day official visit to Pakistan began on March 21. He was a guest on Pakistan National Day, government sources said. "It is strange that even for their National day guest from Malaysia, Pakistan could not make an exception thereby resulting in a longer flight by Malaysian Prime Minister," sources added.
All flights, including international flights, flying westward from/over Pakistan are not being allowed to fly over India by Pakistan, even though India has not put any restriction, the government source said.
Also Read:Congress- AAP alliance : Whenever the decision is taken we will know says Surjewala
