KARACHI: Authorities in Pakistan have imposed a temporary ban on fishing in the country’s territorial waters due to escalating tensions with India. This precautionary measure, announced on Thursday, has led to the recall of all fishing boats and trawlers currently at sea. The ban will remain in place until the situation stabilizes, and the high alert issued at Pakistan’s key ports is lifted.
The ban is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities during this period of heightened tension. Authorities have urged all fishermen to refrain from venturing out to sea. The three major ports—Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar—are now on high alert, with additional security measures implemented to safeguard against any potential threats. The restrictions are part of broader steps to maintain control over critical infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.
In related developments, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has suspended flight operations at several major airports across the country. Airports in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Sialkot are completely closed for an indefinite period. This closure was officially confirmed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which informed airlines about the operational halt.
As a result, all incoming flights to Lahore have been rerouted to Karachi International Airport. These include flights from international destinations such as Jeddah, Dubai, Muscat, Sharjah, and Madinah. Furthermore, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and Sialkot Airport have been evacuated as a precaution. Jinnah International Airport in Karachi has also suspended all flight operations.
Scheduled flights at these airports have been canceled until further notice. Passengers affected by the cancellations have been relocated to airport lounges for safety and comfort. Authorities have advised them to stay in touch with their respective airlines for updates regarding the status of flight schedules.
These measures follow recent military actions and heightened concerns about security in the wake of India’s attacks on Pakistani targets.
