The government plans to restore PIA flights to UK, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The flight operations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom have been suspended for over four years. Ishaq Dar emphasized that efforts are underway to achieve this goal as soon as possible.
Speaking to the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, Ishaq Dar highlighted, “We have made every effort, including updating laws to meet the latest requirements of the UK Aviation Authority, to resolve the issue of PIA flights to UK.”
The suspension of PIA flights to Europe and the UK occurred in 2020 when the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) revoked PIA’s authorization following a Fake Pilot License Scandal in Pakistan, which resulted in the grounding of 262 pilots.
Ishaq Dar criticized an “irresponsible statement” made by a minister in the previous government, which further complicated the resumption of flights to Europe, the UK, and other Western nations. He also announced two significant actions: the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport.
Also Read: PIA Privatisation Process to Be Finalized By Oct 1
While addressing a press conference in London, Ishaq Dar mentioned that the government had held discussions with British authorities regarding PIA flights to UK and was in talks with the European Union. He expressed optimism that the process was progressing swiftly, with an expected completion by mid-October.
Also Read: PIA Exposes Safety Warning as Key Factor in EU Flight Ban
The Deputy PM reiterated the importance of overseas Pakistanis, particularly the 1.7 million residing in the UK, stating, “They are our assets.” He added that the government is working on initiatives to enhance overseas Pakistanis’ representation in parliament.
