Pak should reflect decision of refusing permission to Modi using airspace: MEA

In response to the denial of overflight clearance for a VVIP special flight by Pakistan, MEA Official Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said,  "We regret the decision of the Government of Pakistan to deny overflight clearance for the VVIP special flight for a second time in two weeks, which is otherwise granted routinely by any normal country."

"Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action," he said.

This comes after Pakistan announced that it will not allow PM Modi to use its airspace while travelling to the United States.

PM Modi will leave for the US on Sept 21 for a week-long visit.

He will be addressing the Indian community in Houston on Sunday in an event called Howdy Modi.

Pakistan had earlier closed its airspace to Indian flights after the Balakot airstrikes on the Jaish-e Mohammad terror camp on February 26.

However, it opted for a partial opening again in July.

The India-Pakistan tension escalated over the Indian government's decision of scrapping Article 370 which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.