Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would soon start special flight operation from major cities including Lahore and Karachi to Gilgit and Skardu offering weekend and holiday packages in order to promote tourism activities in northern areas of the country. The decision was taken at a meeting held between Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan and Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Dr Kazim Niaz. Besides, Secretary Finance GB, high-ups of Aviation division were also present on the occasion.
It was mutually agreed that PIA will collaborate with the regional Tourism department in order to promote the tourism activities in the picturesque and fascinating areas in the northern flank of the country, a media release said. It was also decided to convene a meeting of commercial department of PIA and tourism department of Gilgit-Baltistan to form solid and pragmatic strategy offering attractive and affordable packages to the tourists.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mehtab shared that special direct flights from Lahore and Karachi will be started to the northern areas of Pakistan and cargo service of PIA will also be used effectively for transportation of the fruits and dry fruits of hilly areas to the other parts of country.
It will give confidence to the hilly areas' residents and they will be able to earn their livelihood in a respectful manner, he said. He further said these special flights will help strengthen the economy of the country along with presenting a soft and positive image of Pakistan. Sardar Mehtab added that all possible measures will be taken to promote tourism activities in the hilly areas.
Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Dr Kazim praised the reforms formulated by Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan and thanked him for collaborating with tourism department for promoting tourism activities in Gilgit-Baltistan.