News Desk |
The British Airways (BA) on Tuesday has announced to resume flight operations to Pakistan after as many as 10 years. In a video posted on Twitter, British High Commissioner Thomas Drew said that the British Airways’ return to Pakistan is a reflection of great improvement in security situation in Pakistan.
“Resumption of flights will be a further boost to links between the UK and Pakistan, especially on trade and investment,” stated Mr. Drew.
British Airways returns to Pakistan. Direct flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad’s new airport start in June. A further boost to links between the UK and Pakistan – especially on trade and investment. @British_Airways pic.twitter.com/TGEjopOVx1
— Thomas Drew (@TomDrewUK) December 18, 2018
BA’s Head of Asia Pacific and Middle East Sales Robert Williams also made the announcement in a joint press conference with State Overseas Minister Zulfi Bukhari and Commerce Advisor Abdul Razak Dawood.
Mr. Zulfi Bukhari termed the announcement groundbreaking and said,” British Airways coming back after a decade shows you where we were and how far we’ve come.
The BA representative said that the three-per-week, three-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight operations will start from June 15, 2019, from Heathrow and New Islamabad International Airport, with return fare starting from £499 [roughly Rs89,000].
It is pertinent to mention here that in September 2008, British Airways had suspended all its flight to Pakistan for an indefinite period due to security concerns after the Marriot Hotel bombing in Islamabad.
“It’s exciting to be flying between Islamabad and Heathrow from next year, which we believe will be particularly popular with British Pakistanis who want to visit, or be visited by, their relatives,” Williams said.
Read more: British Airways to start operations in Pakistan
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy British High Commissioner to Pakistan Richard Crowder acknowledged Pakistan Army and nation’s sacrifice in the war against terrorism.
Mr. Zulfi Bukhari termed the announcement groundbreaking and said,” British Airways coming back after a decade shows you where we were and how far we’ve come. It’s a huge step for this government that it has given foreign investors that security to come back.”
Razzaq Dawood said that the government would provide a better transport system from Rawalpindi to the Airport. “We want maximum British investment to Pakistan,” said Mr. Dawood on the occasion.
Read more: Privatization of PIA and PSM: significance for Pakistan
The Pakistan Army spokesperson, Major General Asif Ghafoor termed resumption of BA as the dividend of the struggle of Pakistanis. In a Twitter post, he said, ”The dividends of decades-long struggle of Pakistani nation and its security forces for a restoration of peace and stability in the country are on the way. Thanks to @British_Airways for reviving its flight operations in Pakistan. @TomDrewUK #PeacefulPakistan
The dividends of decades long struggle of Pakistani nation and its security forces for restoration of peace and stability in the country are on the way. Thanks to @British_Airways for reviving its flight operations in Pakistan.@TomDrewUK#PeacefulPakistan#ہمیں_آگے_ہی_جانا_ہے
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2018