Islamabad, July 23: Pakistan has no intention to open its airspace for Indian aircraft in the near future, Defence Secretary Lt Gen (Retd) Hamid Nawaz Khan has said. "We are not in a hurry and would take a decision after considering all the aspects," Khan reportedly told newsmen at the passing out parade of Airport Security Force at ASF training school in Karachi yesterday.

"Closure of Indian airspace for Pakistani aircraft was an irrational act," he said describing the India's June decision reopen its skies Pakistani aircraft as an attempt to "redress their blunder by putting the ball in our court." The defence secretary pointed out that India had only allowed over flying to Pakistani planes but flights to India remain banned.

Losses being incurred by India due to the restriction were several times that of Pakistan, "so how could we allow them to overfly our airspace," khan said. Officials say Indian losses are five times greater than Pakistan. PIA has estimated its losses at Rs 250 million.

India withdrew airspace facilities for Pakistani carriers on January 2 after the attack Parliament and Pakistan immediately reciprocated by banning Indian planes from its skies. Later in June, Indian government revoked the decision.

Bureau Report