Following the US ban on TRF, Pakistan has closed its airspace from July 16-23. While a security exercise is cited as the reason, apprehension of an Indian air strike is also considered a factor.
Pakistan Airspace Closed: Recent events between India and Pakistan have once again escalated tensions. Pakistan has closed its airspace from July 16 to July 23, 2025. Security reasons are being cited for this closure. However, considering the timing and circumstances, questions are being raised as to whether this is merely a military exercise or preparation for a potential Indian air strike.
Airspace Closed by Issuing NOTAM
Pakistan has closed the airspace in the central sector from July 16 to July 23. Additionally, the airspace over southern Pakistan has also been closed on July 22 and 23. An official statement states that this decision was taken due to military exercises and potential missile tests. However, security analysts believe that this has been done keeping in mind a potential retaliatory action from India.
US Ban on TRF and Pakistan's Anxiety
Recently, the United States declared The Resistance Front (TRF), a front organization associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a global terrorist organization. This action by the US State Department has led to the freezing of TRF's assets and a ban on any transactions with US citizens.
India has long been presenting evidence regarding TRF on international forums. TRF has been carrying out terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and is considered a hidden unit of Lashkar itself. Pakistan's concerns are naturally increasing after the US ban on TRF, as this may increase international pressure on it.
Environment Heated After Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor
On April 22, foreign tourists were targeted in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. TRF's involvement was revealed in this. After this, India retaliated by targeting terrorist hideouts across the border under Operation Sindoor.
After this operation, an increase in security activities has been observed on the Pakistani side. Temporarily closing the airspace, increasing the deployment of military forces, and intensifying surveillance activities are considered part of this.
Has Pakistan Received Military Support from China?
According to sources, the movement of some Chinese cargo planes has recently been observed in Pakistan. It is speculated that China has supplied Pakistan with new military technology, weapons, or air defense systems.
