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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.
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PIA announces direct Lahore-Paris flight operation
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced a direct flight operation from Lahore to Paris starting from June 18. The weekly flight will operate from Lahore to Paris, according to PIA management. The PIA is already operating two weekly flights from Islamabad to Paris. According to PIA, the new route is expected to provide travel convenience to passengers while also boosting foreign exchange earnings. Earlier, it was reported that PIA has been operating in profit since March 2024 as Parliamentary Secretary Zeb Jaffar informed the National Assembly during the Question Hour on Wednesday. Responding to a question from MNA Sharmila Faruqi, Zeb Jaffar stated that irresponsible statements made on the floor of the House in the past had damaged the reputation and business of the airline.
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan International Airlines launches direct flights from Lahore to Paris; to be operational from June 18
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the launch of a direct flight from Lahore to Paris, starting June 18, ARY News reported. According to PIA management, the weekly flight will operate from Lahore to Paris. The PIA already operates two weekly flights from Islamabad to Paris. PIA has reportedly been operating profitably since March 2024, Parliamentary Secretary Zeb Jaffar highlighted at the National Assembly during the Question Hour on Wednesday. Responding to a question from MNA Sharmila Faruqi, Zeb Jaffar stated that irresponsible statements made on the floor of the House in the past had damaged the reputation and business of the airline. "The consequences of those remarks were felt by the country," she added. Jaffar said PIA has now resumed flights to the European Union, including two destinations in Europe, such as Paris. She futher mentioned that the government had engaged in dialogue with the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which paved the way for restarting flights to Paris. Talks with UK aviation authorities are also underway. According to ARY News, discussions are also ongoing with Turkish Airlines, which is expected to benefit Pakistani travellers. The government is actively working to expand PIA's network to profitable routes, including the Middle East and North Africa. She added that efforts to make the national airline more profitable are continuing, and their impact will become more visible in the coming months. Earlier, PIA introduced direct flights from Lahore to Baku, Azerbaijan. The flights will operate twice a week, departing every Saturday and Wednesday. To introduce the new route, PIA organised an event for travel agents and tour operators, providing them with flight details and benefits, as per ARY News. The direct air link will make it easier for people to travel between the two countries.
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
MPs slam 'mismanagement' of lodges
During the National Assembly's Question Hour on Wednesday, members from various political parties expressed strong concerns over ongoing issues related to the Parliament Lodges and called for urgent corrective measures. In response to a question from Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam, Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik clarified that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) does not handle the allocation of budget or allotment of lodges. He explained that the CDA's role is limited to utilising the budget as directed by the Parliament's House and Library Committee. Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah admitted that CDA's performance in managing the lodges has been inadequate, citing the suspension of a director and deputy director due to mismanagement. He revealed that a meeting in the Planning Division is ongoing, and tenders will be issued once approval is granted. Currently, 51 MNAs are without official accommodation. PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar proposed outsourcing the management of lodges to private firms, arguing that quality could improve under such arrangements while remaining within the current budget. This matter is under discussion in the Standing Committee on Finance. MNA Noor Alam Khan raised concerns about the misuse of resources, noting that while MNAs pay rent and utility bills on time, employees at the lodges are receiving unnecessary perks. He also criticised the underutilisation of nearly 200 CDA staff, stating that only a few workers are available when needed. Furthermore, he highlighted that the gym at the Parliament Lodges is often used by non-members rather than elected officials. MNA Syed Waseem suggested that room allotments should be merit-based and proposed reallocating lodges from ministers who have moved to the Ministers' Colony to accommodate MNAs in need. Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized the seriousness of the issue, pointing out that complaints about the lodges are frequent. He called for the completion of a construction project that has been pending since 2008 to address the space shortage. He also stressed that management inefficiencies, such as inadequate janitorial services and maintenance issues, remain persistent. He urged that the CDA's performance can only improve with proper funding.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'I very much enjoyed your speech': Farage tells Starmer as Tories target UK PM over immigration
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responds to questions in the Parliament during Question Hour. This comes after his announcement on tightening immigration rules in Britain. He blasted Tories during his speech, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Show more Show less
