ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has given the green light for theconstruction of two new international airports in the country, well-placed sourcesconfirmed on Tuesday. Though official confirmation and details are awaited, sources divulge that the airportswould be constructed in Sukkur and Muzaffarabad, with work on the multi-billion rupeeprojects set to be completed within five years.In this regard, the PAA has formed a dedicated committee of officers to oversee landacquisition for the two airports. Reportedly, preliminary development has already begununder the supervision of the PAA’s Works and Development Department.In addition to internal resources, the authority is expected to engage consultants…
Author: holidayweekly
KARACHI: Air France-KLM’s India & Middle East establishment has partnered with Gerry’s Group to join its Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Program. This collaboration aims to accelerate the production and usage of SAF, which is one of the most effective methods for reducing CO2 emissions in aviation. Sustainable Aviation Fuels are the most decisive ways of reducing CO2 emissions in the aviation industry. SAF can be blended with conventional kerosene (currently by up to 50%) without any modification to aircraft, engines, or logistical and storage infrastructures. To address this, Air France-KLM has implemented the corporate SAF program, allowing it to…
KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan Tourism Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2025 has officially opened its doors, offering an immersive experience into the breathtaking beauty and cultural depth of Pakistan. From the snow-capped peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan and the lush green valleys of Swat and Hunza, to the ancient archaeological wonders of Mohenjo-Daro and the sun-drenched shores of Gwadar, the pavilion celebrates the country’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Jointly organized by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), and the Pakistan Mission in Malaysia—along with provincial tourism departments and private sector partners—the…
BRUSSELES: The European Union plans to revise its visa suspension mechanism in 2025, potentially ending visa-free travel for 61 countries. This move targets irregular migration, hybrid threats, and citizenship-by-investment schemes. The European Union is planning to set to implement stricter rules regarding visa-free travel this year, potentially impacting numerous countries and future travel plans. These proposed changes could make it easier for the EU to suspend visa exemptions currently enjoyed by citizens of 61 nations. The EU designed the plan to enhance control over migration and national security, affecting both candidate states and other visa-exempt nations. Travellers from these countries,…
MIRPUR: The Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) government has initiated the feasibility process for establishing an international airport in Mirpur, a city with a significant population of over a million UK-based Kashmiri expatriates. The city is important considering a significant population of over a million UK-based Kashmiri expatriates who have repeatedly called for the establishment of the airport. AJK Minister for Physical Planning, Yasir Sultan Chaudhry confirmed the development and added that the project aims to fulfill a long-standing local demand and enhance connectivity for the city’s residents. It bears mentioning that though the demand for an international airport in Mirpur…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the launch of direct flights from Lahore to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, starting April 20, Express News reported. According to the airline, two weekly flights will operate on this route, departing from Lahore to Baku every Sunday and Wednesday. To mark the occasion, a special event was held in Karachi for travel agents and tour operators, during which detailed information about the new Baku flights was shared with attendees. PIA officials stated that the new route is expected to play a significant role in boosting bilateral tourism and trade ties. They also…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced biometric verification to its Pak ID mobile app, aiming to bolster security for overseas Pakistanis, particularly those living in the United Arab Emirates. The app, which allows users to apply for a range of identity documents, including the Smart National ID Card for Overseas Pakistanis, will now require biometric verification when logging in from a new device, NADRA said in a statement. “This new security feature is designed to protect citizens’ information and prevent unauthorised access, identity theft, and misuse of Pak ID accounts,” the authority added. The Pak ID…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, said on Friday Saudi Arabia had granted special permission for an additional 10,000 Pakistani nationals to perform Hajj this year, following his recent phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Saudi authorities allocate fixed Hajj quotas to Muslim-majority countries to manage the annual pilgrimage, which draws over two million worshippers from around the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Pakistan has been allotted a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2025. According to Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad…
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways will launch direct flights to Peshawar, Pakistan, from September 29, 2025, further expanding its footprint in South Asia. The route will connect Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport with Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. The new addition makes Peshawar the fourth Pakistani city served by the UAE’s national carrier, joining existing routes to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Initially operating five times a week, the service will increase to daily flights starting 22 November 2025. Etihad will deploy its Airbus A320 aircraft on the route, configured with eight Business Class and 150 Economy seats. “We are thrilled…
ISLAMABAD: Under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to commence international flights to Uzbekistan. In addition, private airlines will also be engaged to accelerate trade and tourism connectivity between the two countries. This development was announced during a meeting between Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Uzbekistan’s Minister for Tourism, Umid Shadiev. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, was also in attendance. During the meeting, both sides underscored the significant potential for collaboration in the tourism sector. Haroon Akhtar Khan expressed Pakistan’s full…