Pakistan restricts airspace amid India's Trishul military exercise
What's the story
Pakistan has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting air traffic in its central and southern airspace. The move comes as India plans a tri-services military exercise, Trishul, near the Sir Creek-Sindh-Karachi axis from October 30 to November 10. While Pakistan hasn't given an official reason for the NOTAM, analysts believe it could be related to a military drill or a possible weapons test.
Exercise details
Trishul exercise to validate joint operational capabilities
The Trishul exercise is one of India's largest joint operational drills in recent years, involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It will validate joint operations across diverse terrains and demonstrate the forces' self-reliance and innovation. The exercise area extends up to 28,000 feet near Sir Creek along the Pakistan border.
Security measures
Pakistan on high alert, fearing threat to maritime chokepoints
In response to the Trishul exercise, Pakistan has reportedly put its southern commands on high alert. The Bahawalpur Strike Corps and Karachi Corps are on standby, with air bases in Shorkot, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Jacobabad, Bholari, and Karachi also prepared for any perceived aggression. Meanwhile, naval directives have also been issued to increase patrolling and operations in the Arabian Sea. This heightened vigilance comes as Islamabad fears that India's drills could threaten maritime chokepoints vital for Karachi's trade.
Strategic location
Strategic importance of Sir Creek and India's warning to Pakistan
The Trishul exercise is being conducted near the Sir Creek-Sindh-Karachi axis, which Pakistan considers its "deep south." This area is strategically important as it controls access to key sea routes. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier warned Pakistan against any misadventures in this region, saying any such action would have a strong response that could change history and geography.
Exercise rationale
Tensions rise as military exercises amplify anxieties
While India's Ministry of Defence has termed these exercises routine preparedness measures, the situation has raised political and strategic anxiety across borders. Sources indicate that Pakistan's Army is already stretched thin by internal security pressures, making it more wary of external threats during this period. The episode highlights how military signaling through large-scale exercises can create acute political and strategic anxiety.