Latest news with #IslamabadInternationalAirport
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Express Tribune
First post-Hajj PIA flight departs Jeddah with 307 Pakistani pilgrims
Listen to article Pakistan's post-Hajj flight operation is set to begin Tuesday evening with the departure of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-732 from Jeddah, carrying 307 pilgrims. The flight will leave King Abdulaziz International Airport at 8:50 PM local time and is expected to land at Islamabad International Airport at 3:50 AM on Wednesday, according to Dr Syed Ata Ur Rehman, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Dr Ata confirmed that the first return flight from Madinah, PK-7030, is scheduled for June 12. It will depart for Lahore at 3:30 PM and arrive at 10:30 PM with approximately 307 pilgrims on board. The post-Hajj operation will continue until July 10, concluding with flight PK-7094, which will bring around 437 pilgrims from Madinah to Islamabad at 12:30 PM. A total of more than 88,000 pilgrims who performed Hajj under the government scheme will be brought back to Pakistan through 362 flights. Dr Ata added that over 115,000 Pakistanis performed Hajj this year under both government and private arrangements. The Pakistan Hajj Mission has made detailed logistical preparations to ensure the smooth and dignified return of all pilgrims to the country.
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
AirSial commences ‘Islamabad to Dubai' flight
KARACHI: AirSial has commenced its international flight operations, connecting Islamabad directly to Dubai. According to the details, the flight PF784 departed Islamabad International Airport at 11:34 AM local time, carrying 137 passengers on the historic journey that marks AirSial's expansion beyond domestic routes. The spokesman Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said that authority oversaw the successful launch, demonstrating the country's commitment to supporting private sector growth in aviation. The significance of the launch was underscored by a formal ceremony held in the Business Class area of Islamabad International Airport's Check-in Zone 1. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif served as chief guest, joined by senior officials including Defence Secretary Lt. Gen. Muhammad Ali HI (M), Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Director General Nadir Shafi Dar, and Chief Operating Officer Aftab Gilani. The Dubai route represents a strategic choice for AirSial's international debut, connecting Pakistan's capital with one of the region's major business and travel hubs. The United Arab Emirates remains a key destination for Pakistani travellers, both for business and leisure purposes. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
30-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Pindi bans bird, drone activities near airports
The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner on Thursday imposed a ban within a five-kilometer radius of Islamabad International Airport and both military airbases — Nur Khan (Chaklala) Airbase and Qasim Airbase -— due to the potential risk of bird strikes with aircraft. The restrictions include pigeon flying, keeping pigeons in large cages, kite flying, and the operation of all types of drones. Additionally, the disposal of garbage and animal remains (especially from sacrificial animals) in and around airport premises and aircraft landing/takeoff zones has also been prohibited. Violations of these orders will result in legal action and arrests. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Ehsan Tariq who ordered immediate enforcement of the ban. All relevant authorities were instructed to initiate inspection and monitoring operations to ensure strict compliance. The meeting also reviewed cleanliness measures around the airports during Eidul Azha, specifically in areas such as Khurram Colony, Sadiqabad, Koral Chowk, Dhok Hafiz, and Chah Sultan. Concerned departments were issued directives to maintain hygiene and proper waste management in these areas.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM inaugurates fast-tracked uplift project
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed Jinnah Square Murree Road Underpass, a major infrastructure project completed in a record time of just 35 days. The prime minister lauded it as a nationally significant initiative that will ensure smooth and uninterrupted connectivity to the popular tourist destination of Murree. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the dedicated efforts of Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, and their teams for completing the project with remarkable efficiency. "The completion of this underpass in just over a month marks a milestone in our national infrastructure development," the prime minister said. "It complements our broader vision of a signal-free corridor from Islamabad International Airport to Murree, easing traffic congestion and improving travel time for commuters." He instructed the administration of the federal capital and the CDA to continue working with increased efficiency and devotion to make Islamabad more beautiful and well-organised. Spanning approximately 479 meters, the underpass features three traffic lanes designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow. The project is part of an almost nine-kilometre connectivity corridor that, according to the prime minister, will benefit not only the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi but also travellers across the country heading toward Murree. Reflecting on the project timeline, the prime minister noted that just 35 days ago, he had laid the foundation stone for the underpass, which has now been completed, including associated roadwork and landscaping. He commended the project's contractor, consultants, and all officials involved and urged the interior minister to maintain this momentum for future development initiatives. In a separate address during the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated the nation on the Armed Forces of Pakistan's strategic and courageous response that, in his words, dealt a "crushing defeat" to Indian forces. "This achievement reflects the unity of the nation and the blessings of Almighty Allah," he remarked. Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi briefed the prime minister on the project's technical details and praised the collective efforts of the CDA, Islamabad Police, and NESPAK. He also revealed that design work for the Shaheen Chowk Underpass is underway, along with plans for a new Safari Park and a chairlift project. The inauguration was attended by federal ministers Hanif Abbasi and Dr Tariq Fazl Chaudhary, Ministers of State Talal Chaudhary and Talha Burki, and other parliamentarians.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PIA announces direct flight from Lahore to Paris
Listen to article Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the commencement of direct flight operations from Lahore to Paris, beginning June 18. According to the PIA spokesperson, the new route will offer one weekly flight from Lahore to the French capital. PIA currently operates two weekly flights on the Islamabad–Paris route. The addition of the Lahore–Paris flight aims to enhance travel convenience for passengers and contribute to foreign exchange earnings, the national flag carrier said in a statement. Earlier this year, PIA resumed its European operations after a four-and-a-half-year hiatus, with flight PK-749 departing from Islamabad to Paris, carrying 330 passengers and 14 crew members. The inaugural ceremony at Islamabad International Airport was attended by Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, and top officials from the Civil Aviation Authority and Pakistan Airport Authority. Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary Zeb Jaffar said that Pakistan International Airlines has been profitable since March 2024. During the National Assembly's Question Hour, Parliamentary Secretary Zeb Jaffar said PIA had recovered financially and had resumed flights to the European Union, including services to Paris.
