India has accused Pakistan of recklessly endangering civilian lives by keeping its airspace open to commercial passenger flights while launching drone and missile attacks on Indian military targets on the night of May 8–9. This unprecedented allegation was made during a government press briefing backed by real-time flight data from FlightRadar24.
Key Allegations and Developments:
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Use of Civilian Airliners as Shields:According to Colonel Sofia Qureshi, Pakistani civilian airspace remained open during the attack. She presented screenshots from FlightRadar24, showing passenger aircraft flying between Karachi and Lahore, even as Pakistan launched drones and missiles toward Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.
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Contrasting Indian Measures:India, in contrast, had declared an airspace closure, clearing the skies of civil aircraft in anticipation of a military engagement. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized that the Pakistani strike risked the lives of unsuspecting passengers, including international flights near the International Border (IB).
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Intentional Risk:India asserts that Pakistan deliberately used civilian aircraft as potential shields, aware that India’s air defence systems would be activated in response. This tactic, India argued, violated international norms of warfare and could have had catastrophic consequences for civilians.
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India’s Measured Response:In retaliation, India struck four Pakistani air defence (AD) sites with armed drones, reportedly destroying one radar system. However, the government highlighted the Indian Air Force’s “considerable restraint”, saying its counterstrike was carefully calibrated to avoid endangering civilians.
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AWACS Shot Down:Sources told India Today TV that India also shot down a Pakistani AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) inside Punjab province, further weakening Pakistan’s aerial surveillance capacity.
Implications:
This accusation of using civilian flights as cover during military operations is a serious violation of international aviation laws and norms. If verified by global aviation bodies, it could put diplomatic pressure on Pakistan and raise significant safety concerns for airlines operating in South Asia.
