ISLAMABAD -UNS :Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the UK Air Safety Board’s decision to lift the ban on Pakistani flights, saying that the “positive development” would improve Pakistan’s international reputation and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“Alhamdulillah! PIA returns to UK skies.
Grateful to Allah Almighty as Pakistan stands vindicated with the restoration of our airlines operations to the United Kingdom,” the prime minister wrote on X.
He recalled that the ban was imposed on Pakistani flights due to the irresponsible statements by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, also undermining the country’s reputation.
He said that with over 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage living in the UK and thousands of British nationals in Pakistan, the lifting of ban brought a long-awaited relief and new opportunities for families and friends to reunite.
Also calling it a significant milestone for the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that as Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, this ease in travel between the UK and Pakistan would help this vital trade relationship grow manifold.
He appreciated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Ministry of Defence, and the Aviation Division for their efforts in ending the ban.
He said that swift measures were being taken to enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani airlines with other international companies in the aviation sector.
