KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched regular flights to Najaf city in Iraq.
The first scheduled flight which had departed for Najaf on October 30, returned to Karachi on Sunday morning. PIA had been previously operating special flights to Najaf.
The first scheduled flight (PK-219) of the national carrier was carrying 91 passengers. Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lufta and PIA CEO Arshad Malik were also on board the flight. Upon arrival, it was given a water cannon salute by crash tenders with powerful cannons at the airport runaway.
Najaf Governor Luay Yasry, Pakistani Ambassador Ahmed Amjad Ali, the head of Iraqi civil aviation and religious leaders welcomed the passengers at the airport. A special cake-cutting ceremony was also held at Najaf Airport.
The ceremony was attended by the Najaf governor, Pakistan’s ambassador and other officials. On the occasion, PIA CEO Malik said he brought a message of love and peace from Pakistan. He said Iraq was an important destination for Pakistani Muslims.
Najaf Governor Luay Yasry said they would leave no stone unturned in serving PIA and Pakistani pilgrims. He said efforts were being made to simplify the visa system so that maximum number of people intending to visit Najaf could benefit.
Ambassador Ahmed Amjad Ali said PIA flights would further strengthen ties between the two countries. He said efforts will be made to start the PIA flights to Baghdad as soon as possible. After the reception, the delegation visited the shrine of Hazrat Ali (RA) shrine and Kufa mosque.
Ambassador of Pakistan and other Iraqi Government officials received the flight. pic.twitter.com/L348KqFl7e
— Pakistan Embassy Baghdad Iraq (@pakiniraq) October 31, 2021
