Nato aircraft violate Pakistani airspace

Published July 17, 2013
Intelligence sources told Dawn.com that the aircrafts penetrated into the Pakistani airspace through Pak-Afghan Torkham border. – File Photo
Intelligence sources told Dawn.com that the aircrafts penetrated into the Pakistani airspace through Pak-Afghan Torkham border. – File Photo

PESHAWAR: Two aircraft of Nato forces in Afghanistan on Wednesday evening violated airspace of neighbouring Pakistan by infiltrating into its boundaries by several kilometers.

Intelligence sources told Dawn.com that the aircraft penetrated into the Pakistani airspace through Pak-Afghan Torkham border.

The aircraft returned back to Afghanistan after flying for several minutes within Pakistani boundaries without causing damage or getting involved in any other violation of rules.

This is however not the first occasion when Nato aircraft violated Pakistani airspace. Similar incidents have been witnessed in North Waziristan, Kurram, Mohmand and Khyber tribal agencies in the past.

On November 26, Nato helicopters attacked Salala military checkpoint in Mohmand Agency at Pak-Afghan border, killing up to 28 Pakistani troops.

The incident led to rough bilateral ties between US and Pakistan and prompted the latter to shut the vital supply route for Nato troops fighting in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the state-run news agency, APP reported later on Wednesday that the news item aired by a few private news channels has been contradicted.

According to military sources no such incident had occured, thus there was no question of violation of Pakistani airspace by the coalition forces aircraft operating in bordering Afghanistan, it said.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...