New Delhi, September 7: In what signals the further deterioration of ties between India and Pakistan, the Imran Khan-led government has denied airspace permit to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind. The decision, said Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, is being taken in view of the New Delhi's "recent behaviour" in Jammu & Kashmir. Islamabad has consistently been accusing the Indian government of committing excesses against the people in J&K after abrogating Article 370.

"The decision has been taken in view of India's behaviour," the statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.  "The Indian President had sought permission to use Pakistan's airspace to travel to Iceland but we decided not to permit him," the statement further read.

The denial of airspace was preceded by sabre-rattling rhetoric by Prime Minister Imran Khan, who on Friday reiterated that Pakistan would go to any extent to "liberate" the people of Kashmir.

Update by AFP:

The decision by Pakistan comes amid escalating tensions, with the world leaders expressing concern over a potential breakout of war between the two South Asian neighbours. United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged both the sides to exercise restraint and resolve the pending disputes through dialogue.

Notably, Pakistan had closed its airspace for India in the aftermath of February 26 Balakot air strike. The air strip remained shut for Indian carriers till July this year. After a brief resumption, Islamabad decided to restrict airspace usage for India in protest to Article 370 revocation in J&K.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2019 04:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).