Pakistan's national airline launches first direct Lahore-Baku flight in push for connectivity
KARACHI: Pakistan's national airline launched the first Lahore to Baku flight on Sunday, marking its latest step to expand travel links amid Islamabad's push for deeper connectivity with Central Asian states.
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) launched its weekly flight from Lahore to Baku as Islamabad strengthens diplomatic and trade ties with Azerbaijan, a key partner in its broader regional outreach. The new route is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
PIA's PK-159 flight departed from Lahore Airport at 11:50 am with 152 passengers for Baku. Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov attended a ceremony at the airport before the flight's departure.
'PIA is expanding its network, and Baku is an important addition to this chain,' Asif was quoted as saying by the airline. 'This flight will significantly strengthen relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.'
The new flight service is seen as part of Pakistan's ongoing quest to improve air connectivity with countries in Central Asia, where it has been seeking to expand trade and diplomatic engagement in recent years.
Pakistan is aggressively eyeing opportunities to expand trade and tourism ties with regional allies, Gulf countries, Central Asian states and others as it targets sustainable economic growth.
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