Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reportedly dedicated 'Boeing-777' aircraft to operate special flight for Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who is expected to return back after a successful open-heart surgery in London on Saturday (today). According to details, PM Nawaz after being given a go-ahead by his doctors to take a long distance flight, following a successful open-heart surgery, is expected to return Pakistan on Saturday (today).
For the purpose, the national flag carrier has disturbed its whole flights by taking Boeing-777 away from routine flight schedule to operate special flight for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, which may cost millions to the airlines, sources said on a condition of anonymity.
They said that the PM was expected to arrive at Lahore via PIA special flight along with his brother Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Hamza Shahbaz and others. The premier, who underwent an open heart surgery at the Harley Street Clinic, has been staying in London since May 31, 2016. Nawaz Sharif has been conducting important meetings via video links and remains in touch with the cabinet directly and through his office staff accompanying him in London.
When contacted, PIA spokesman confirmed that airlines had made special arrangement for PM's flight, saying that his office had partly been shifted to London where a camp office had been established, due to PM's health issue. He further said that now Prime minister had recovered after his surgery and was allowed to travel hence the whole camp office had to be shifted back to Pakistan. PIA spokesman said that no sufficient seating capacity was available on PIA's regular flights. Therefore, he airline had to dedicate an aircraft for PM Nawaz. He said that there wouldn't be any significant delay in other flights due to PM's special flight, as alternate arrangements have been made by PIA.
MUHAMMAD SALEEM adds from Lahore: The premier's daughter Maryam Nawaz confirmed this in a tweet on Friday. Maryam said the Prime Minister would be reaching home on Saturday evening. She also thanked people of Pakistan for their prayers for the early recovery of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. It may be noted that the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had gone to London for treatment on May 22 and had undergone a surgery in Harley Street Clinic on May 31. After the surgery he was shifted to his residence in London.