Author: holidayweekly

KARACHI: In a tale straight out of David vs. Goliath, a quirky Karachi café has brewed up global headlines after defeating none other than coffee behemoth Starbucks in a trademark showdown. Meet Sattar Buksh, the café with a moustache, sass, and a knack for stirring more than just coffee. Launched in 2013 by entrepreneurs Rizwan Ahmad and Adnan Yousuf, the café quickly became a hot spot, not just for its lattes and shisha but for its cheeky branding. Its round green logo featured a moustached desi gentleman, a playful desi wink at Starbucks world-famous mermaid The resemblance sparked instant buzz.…

KARACHI: Bukhari Travel & Tourism Services hosted a mega Roadshow to visit Saudi as a partner of the Saudi tourism authority as one of the travel trade partners of Saudi tourism authority held at Marriott Hotel Karachi. In a Landmark collaboration to strengthen tourism ties between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bukhari Travel & Tourism Services Organized a high-profile mega roadshow at the Marriott Hotel Karachi on August 27, 2025. The event aimed to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing potential as a leading global tourism destination and to promote travel opportunities for Pakistani travellers. Key…

ISLAMABAD: The prospects of resuming direct flights between Pakistan and the United States have recently become more promising. To assess the measures needed for the reinstatement of these flights, a team from the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is scheduled to arrive in Karachi soon. According to sources within the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), this marks the first time in several years that an FAA team is visiting Pakistan. During their visit, the FAA officials will conduct safety audits of Pakistan’s aviation sector, which will include inspections of aircraft maintenance, pilot licensing, flight standards, and other related areas. They…

KARACHI: This year, World Tourism Day is being marked under the United Nation’s theme ‘Tourism And Sustainable Transformation’. The occasion emphasizes the growing importance of sustainable and ecofriendly tourism, highlighting its power to foster prosperity, inclusivity, and environmental preservation. Speaking to Holiday Weekly at the Saudi Tourism Roadshow in Karachi, Syed Feyaz Ali Shah, Managing Director of Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), said the day serves as a reminder of the remarkable impact of tourism on communities and economies. “Tourism plays a vital role in cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable development. At STDC, we are fully committed to celebrating…

LAHORE: The Punjab government has revealed plans to introduce a tram service in Lahore, set to begin operations in February next year. Punjab’s Transport Minister, Bilal Akbar, shared that the initial tram trial was a success. As a result, the tram line connecting Thokar to Harbanspura is scheduled to launch in February 2026. According to Bilal Akbar, each tram will be able to accommodate 270 passengers. The project is estimated to cost $3 million. He also mentioned that officials from Punjab NESPAK and the Punjab Mass Transit Authority recently traveled to China in connection with the project. The minister added…

LAHORE: Tourism in Murree is set for a major boost as the Punjab government has approved feasibility studies for two landmark projects — a Sky Walk Glass Bridge (Rs 72.152 million) and a Chairlift & Cable Car from Lakot to Pindi Point (Rs 90 million). Chaired by Planning & Development Board Chairman Dr. Naeem Rauf, the PDWP meeting also sanctioned a Cable Car project at River Indus, Kala Bagh, Mianwali (Rs 81.571 million), along with several other schemes in roads, minority affairs, and IT, with a total estimated cost of Rs 5.118 billion. Other approved projects include the construction of…

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has officially announced the conferment of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of the nation’s highest civil awards, upon Arshad Wali Muhammad, Group Director of Gerry’s Group and Former Minister for Tourism, Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development in the Caretaker Government of Sindh, Pakistan (2023–24). This prestigious honor has been awarded in recognition of Mr. Wali Muhammad’s exceptional achievements, professional excellence, philanthropy, and contributions across his respective fields. As Minister for Tourism in the caretaker government, Mr. Wali Muhammad worked to highlight Sindh’s cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and coastal potential, launching initiatives that promoted eco-tourism, local community…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to launch direct flights to Barcelona and Milan as part of its post-reopening expansion into European destinations, following directives from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The move comes after the resumption of PIA’s European operations, which had been suspended for several years. The defence minister instructed the airline to prioritize routes to Barcelona and Milan due to the large overseas Pakistani communities residing there. Milan, in particular, is home to a significant number of people from Sialkot, Asif’s hometown, making it a key destination for the national carrier. The renewed focus on European connectivity…

LAHORE: The Ministry of Railways has released detailed income and expenditure figures for Pakistan Railways covering the period from fiscal year 2022–23 to the current financial year 2024–25. According to the ministry, Pakistan Railways faced a cumulative loss of Rs. 6 billion over the three years. In 2022–23, the railways earned Rs. 63.718 billion in revenue, while expenses stood at Rs 72.178 billion, resulting in a loss of Rs 8.460 billion. In 2023–24, income rose to Rs. 88.792 billion, with expenses at Rs 88.380 billion, producing a small surplus of more than Rs. 410 million. In the ongoing fiscal year…

KARACHI:  Last week Etihad Airways hosted an elegant luncheon at Marriott Hotel Karachi to celebrate its valued travel trade partners. The event was organized under the gracious hospitality of   Mr. Ahmed Zahoor, General Manager–Pakistan, Etihad Airways and was attended by a distinguished gatherings of senior leaders from the city’s travel and tourism industry.    Adding prestige to the occasion was the presence of Mr. Wafi Ishaq, Regional General Manager ISC and GCC Etihad Airways, who specially flew in from Abu Dhabi to lead the proceedings. With over two decades of rich experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Ishaq has been…