The flight over Pakistan was permitted for the way to the meeting and back.
Islamabad (Pakistan Point News – 27th May, 2019) In a rare exception, Pakistan had allowed Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly over Pakistani airspace while on her way to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting.
Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said that the the Indian government had requested us to allow Sushma Swaraj to fly over Pakistan to avoid the longer route, and we gave them permission.
The flight over Pakistan was permitted for the way to the meeting and back.
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting organized by SCO.
During an informal chat with Sushma Swaraj in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek, Qureshi said Pakistan was committed to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan of pursuing peaceful diplomacy with India.
"I told Sushma Ji that we are still firm on the statement of PM Khan that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would reciprocate with two," Qureshi informed a gathering of Pakistani community in Bishkek about his meeting with the Indian counterpart, which took place on the sidelines of SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.
"Sushma Ji pointed that I sometimes speak harsh so she has brought some sweets for me so that I talk sweet," Qureshi said.
"In response, I said we are positive on holding negotiations with your country on all issues," he added.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani authorities have decided to extend the ban on the use of its airspace for Indian commercial flights until May 30.
According to the unnamed official, this decision does not exclude the possibility of extending the ban in the future.
In February, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced closure of the country's airspace for commercial flights. The decision was taken after the Pakistani army downed two Indian military jets that had crossed the Line of Control in disputed Kashmir region.
Relations between India and Pakistan have taken a turn for the worst earlier this year. Tensions soared after a deadly attack in Kashmir on February 14, when a suicide bomber attacked an Indian security convoy, killing over 40 personnel. The attack was later claimed by Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed. The tragedy led to heightened tensions between the two South Asian neighbors and air raids exchange.
India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting the militants and having a "direct hand" in the Kashmir incident. Pakistan, however, has rejected all allegations.
