PIA plans enhanced flights to Afghanistan

PESHAWAR/KABUL (Pajhwok): The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is in talks with the Afghan government on increasing its flights to the neighbouring country.

The national flag-carrier said it special focus was on enhancing cargo business to facilitate trade between the two countries.

PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arshad Malik, during a visit to Kabul, met Afghan Aviation Head, Dr Qasim Wafaizada on Tuesday.

A statement from the airlines said Malik discussed avenues for increasing air links between the two countries. PIA plans starting flights to Kandahar and Mazar-i- Sharif.

Malik also met officials of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on proposed expanding PIA’s network to Afghan business centres.

During a visit to the Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul, the PIA chief urged the ambassador to ensure swift guaranteed visas for passengers coming to Pakistan.

Incurring massive losses, PIA has long been struggling financially and the grounding of flights in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

A PIA spokesman said Malik and Dr Wafizada agreed on increasing air connectivity between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The latter called on the PIA to play a role in boosting medical tourism in Pakistan.

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