'Job Well Done': PIA Flights Resume To UK After Years Of Ban, PM Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Move
Islamabad, July 16: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the decision of lifting the ban on Pakistani flights operating in the UK on Wednesday. He said that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed flight operations to the United Kingdom after being banned for several years. The lifting of the ban by the UK will enable Pakistani carriers to apply for flight permissions to London (LHR) and other UK airports.
The British Commission in Islamabad informed about the decision that Pakistan's name has been removed from the UK's Air Safety List.
In a message posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said, "Alhamdulillah! PIA returns to UK skies." He expressed gratitude to Allah for what he called a moment of "vindication" for Pakistan, as the national airline regains access to a major international route.
The Prime Minister blamed the previous government, specifically members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for making “reckless and irresponsible statements” that led to serious harm to Pakistan’s image and the suspension of PIA's flights to the UK and Europe.
PIA had been barred from flying to the UK and EU countries since 2020 after concerns were raised about pilot licensing practices, which surfaced following a statement made by a former aviation minister under the PTI government. These concerns led international aviation authorities to suspend PIA’s operations in several countries.
The Prime Minister highlighted that this development will be a huge relief to the over 1.6 million people of Pakistani origin living in the UK, as well as thousands of British citizens residing in or travelling to Pakistan. Families separated for years due to limited travel options will now be able to reconnect more easily.
Calling the UK Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, the Prime Minister said the restoration of direct flights would significantly enhance trade opportunities between the two countries. The move is expected to simplify business travel and improve economic ties.
He thanked the Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister, aviation officials and all stakeholders for their "tireless efforts" in helping restore PIA's international reputation and services. Ending his message with “Job well done!”, the Prime Minister praised the teamwork that led to this success.
This marks a major turning point for PIA and Pakistan's aviation sector, which has been working to recover from years of setbacks and regain trust on the global stage.
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