Pakistan asks UK for quick PIA flight resumption

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday expressed hope for swift reinstatement of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the United Kingdom (UK) during a telephone conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

Ishaq Dar emphasized the urgency of finalizing the Enhanced Strategic Partnership agreement between the two nations to bolster bilateral relations, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Highlighting the enduring and multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and the UK, Dar stressed the need to elevate collaboration in trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges, and climate matters. He advocated for the prompt resumption of PIA flights between the two countries to strengthen connections, especially considering the significant Pakistani diaspora in the UK.

Flight operations of PIA had been halted by several nations, including the UK, since July 2020 due to concerns regarding the authenticity of pilots' licenses. Additionally, discussions encompassed crucial regional affairs, including Afghanistan and the situation in Gaza, during the call. Dar extended an invitation to Lord Cameron to visit Pakistan.

Expressing gratitude for the British foreign secretary's congratulatory message on his appointment, Dar affirmed his readiness to collaborate closely with UK leadership to fortify bilateral ties. Earlier engagements in London with UK Minister of State for South Asia and Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmad and Minister of State for Development Andrew Mitchell at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office also broached the same issue.

Last week, the country's aviation authority expressed optimism that PIA flights to the UK would resume in May following the conclusion of all inspections.