The government of Pakistan has decided to gradually restore regular international passenger flight operations from 20 June. According to Special Assistant to the PM for Overseas Pakistanis & HRD Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, the decision was made in today’s cabinet meeting chaired by PM Imran Khan. He was talking to Adil Shahzeb on Hum News where he said that he made the case for overseas Pakistanis and was supported by Asad Umar.
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He said that provinces are also supporting that so it was decided. PM Imran Khan instructed the ministry to get consent from provinces in writing on this issue. He also said that we are trying to reopen the airspace up to 25 to 30% by 20th June. In a tweet, Zulfiqar Bukhari wrote “thank you PM @ImranKhanPTI for considering needs of our overseas workers in difficulty & approving reopening’s airspace. SUCH A RELIEF! Apologies to all who have waited suffered from a lack of resources. #OverseasPakistanis have the same right to be in Pakistan as all of us!”.
He also made it clear that we are not going back to 100% pre COVID19 situation but we will be able to get thousands of Pakistanis back to their homes. Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed authorities to plan the restoration of international passenger flight operations. Initially, international passenger flight operations will be restored from Gulf states. Later, regular international passenger flights will also be restored from the Far East, Europe, and North America.
Earlier on 29 May government allowed the outbound international flights (scheduled, non scheduled, and charter flights) operation. Meaning the airlines may fly to Pakistan without passengers (ferry flight). They may carry passengers from Pakistan to international destinations.
Aviation division in further clarification said that “a section of media is reporting views different from what has been stated in a press release. The press release covers only outbound flights from Pakistan to foreign destinations.”
The permission includes the following conditions.
- Both national and foreign airlines shall be allowed to operate from all international airports of Pakistan with the exception of Gwadar and Turbat.
- SOPs for outbound international flights have already been issued according to which airlines will be required to follow the SOPs of the destination country. Additionally, the disinfection of aircraft will be ensured and no congestion at airports shall be allowed.