Before India’s big tri-services military drill, Pakistan has limited airspace over its southern and central regions. This is a big step. The decision, announced through a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), comes just days before India’s own military drill — Exercise Trishul — scheduled between October 30 and November 11, 2025.
Pakistan Closes Air Routes for Civilian Flights
According to the NOTAM issued by Islamabad, multiple flight paths will remain closed for civilian traffic on October 28 and 29. The restrictions affect large parts of Pakistan’s southern and central airspace, disrupting normal air movement for two days.
While Pakistan has not provided an official reason, analysts believe the step could be linked to a planned military activity or a weapons test. The timing has drawn attention since it coincides closely with India’s upcoming tri-services exercise near the Pakistan border.
Also Read// PM Kisan 21st Installment: When It Will Be Available, Who Can Get It, and How to Check the Status
India’s Tri-Service Exercise ‘Trishul’ from October 30
Earlier, India issued a similar NOTAM, restricting air movement below 28,000 feet across the South Western Sector, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Arabian Sea, from October 30 to November 11.
Official information about Exercise Trishul is still being kept secret, but the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are likely to work together in a coordinated operation to test their ability to quickly move and be ready for operations in multiple domains.
Strategic Timing and Locations
The exercise zone—covering desert and coastal terrain—holds high strategic importance. Long-standing land and sea disputes have made the Sir Creek area on the border between India and Pakistan a tense spot for a long time.
Reports suggest that Exercise Trishul will focus on inter-service coordination, real-time intelligence sharing, and network-centric warfare capabilities to strengthen India’s defense posture.
Link to Recent Army Commanders’ Conference
This comes soon after the Indian Army Commanders’ Conference in Rajasthan, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who visited Longewala, the iconic battlefield of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Defense experts say India’s forthcoming drills may draw tactical insights from such operations, emphasizing desert warfare efficiency and integrated combat operations.
Also Read// Gold and Silver Edge Higher on MCX Despite Global Weakness; Experts Advise Caution Amid Trend Reversal
Pakistan’s Response Seen as Cautious
While Islamabad has issued no official explanation, its decision is widely seen as a precautionary measure to secure its airspace during India’s exercise.
Analysts say the step could also serve as a signal of readiness or even preparation for a parallel military activity within Pakistan’s territory.
Possible Reasons Behind Pakistan’s NOTAM
Military Preparedness: Conducting an internal defense or air-readiness test.
The exercise helps India focus on combined theater commands and interoperability between its three services, which are in line with its long-term goals for modernization.
This action makes sure that Pakistan’s military is ready and stresses how important it is to be careful when defending yourself. It also tries to keep things from getting worse by accident.
Regional Implications
India and Pakistan both issued NOTAMs at the same time, which shows that the region is becoming more alert. The practice aligns with India’s long-term objectives to modernize and helps the country focus on sharing theater orders and making sure all three branches of the military can work together.
The action prioritizes being careful with defense and strives to maintain Pakistan’s military ready so that things don’t grow worse by accident.
Awaiting Official Clarification
Neither government has officially commented on the NOTAM overlap as of yet. But aviation officials have stated that commercial airlines have been told, and there will be temporary changes to flight routes.
People who keep an eye on defense expect to get more information about India’s combined defense goals once Exercise Trishul starts.
