PIA airlifts 249 Pakistani nationals from Chinese city

BEIJING: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) special flight has left the city of Tianjin in northeastern China on Sunday night to repatriate 249 Pakistani nationals.

PIA’s special flight no. 6852 left Tianjin Binhai International airport with Pakistani citizens from Tianjin Municipality and adjoining areas.

The was PIA’s fourth special flight from China to transport Pakistani nationals back home in view of the disruption of commercial flight operations

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has instructed the Pakistanis Embassy in Beijing to shortlisted passengers with urgent travel requirements for early return.

The returning community members and students continued staying in China after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The Embassy remained in close contact with the Pakistani nationals in China and extended all possible assistance to them.

Special arrangements were made by the Embassy of Pakistan for the flight operation due to the prevalent quarantine requirements. A task force of Embassy officers was constituted to liaise with the PIA, relevant Chinese departments and Pakistani community members for finalising the flight operations arrangement.

Pakistan’s Ambassador oversaw the flight arrangements at Tianjin airport. The Embassy of Pakistan thanked the Chinese government and relevant authorities for their constant support to make this return successful.