Author: holidayweekly

Message From 🇵🇰 Mr. Aftab ur Rehman RanaManaging DirectorPakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) It is a matter of great pleasure and pride to extend my heartfelt felicitations on the inauguration of the 5th Edition of Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) 2026 — a flagship event that has emerged as a cornerstone for the promotion and development of Pakistan’s tourism industry. Pakistan Travel Mart has consistently played a transformative role in positioning Pakistan as a vibrant and competitive tourism destination on the global map. By bringing together key stakeholders from across the tourism value chain — including international exhibitors, tour operators, hospitality…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday resumed its Islamabad–London service after a six-year suspension, as flight PK-785 departed with 325 passengers on board, marking the airline’s formal return to the UK capital. The relaunch follows PIA’s re-entry into the UK market in October 2025 with Manchester flights, after British authorities lifted a ban earlier that year. The airline currently operates four weekly flights to Manchester and plans to gradually expand its presence across other UK cities. PIA’s UK operations were halted in 2020 following the Karachi Airbus A320 crash that claimed 97 lives, along with subsequent concerns over pilot…

KARACHI: Despite prevailing challenges and ongoing regional tensions, including the adverse impact of the Iran war on travel confidence and regional tourism flows, the 5th edition of Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) is set to commence on April 3, 2026, at the Expo Centre Karachi.The three-day mega event will bring together over hundreds international travel companies from across the globe, alongside hundreds of foreign delegates and local exhibitors. PTM 2026 will serve as a dynamic platform, uniting key stakeholders from the hospitality, travel, tourism, and aviation sectors under one roof for an impactful global showcase.Building on the success of its previous…

KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways has announced the expansion of its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by adding King Fahd International Airport in Dammam to its existing operations at Qaisumah Airport, effective 26 March 2026 at 00:00 hours.Operating from two Saudi airports will significantly scale up the airline’s capacity, enabling it to offer over 20 destinations, more than 1,000 flights, 200,000 seats, and over 2 million tons of cargo capacity through 30 April. This expansion supports Kuwait’s connectivity needs and ensures the continued movement of passengers and essential goods amid ongoing regional challenges.The airline has established an integrated air-to-land model…

By Lt Gen (R) Sardar Hasan Azhar HayatMD Pakistan Land Port AuthorityEx. MD Green Tourism Pvt. Ltd I wonder how many of us understand a Sufa, yes what immediately comes to mind is Ashab e Sufa where companions of Prophet (PBUH) use to live in Masjid Nabvi. I believe the name originated from there but also found in Hebrew. In my personal know how this was used in times of Mughals and aristocratic families as a room or living quarters for women. Perhaps much akin to drawing room of today with a courtyard where Zanana or women folk could feel…

DOHA: Qatar Airways (QR) has begun moving several widebody aircraft into long-term storage as operational recovery slows due to ongoing regional instability. Key aircraft, including Airbus A380s and A350s, are being relocated to Teruel Airport (TEV) in Spain.The move follows reduced flight activity at Hamad International Airport (DOH), where the airline has scaled back operations despite initial plans to restore capacity after recent airspace disruptions.Qatar Airways is placing multiple widebody aircraft into deep storage at Teruel Airport (TEV), a facility operated by Tarmac Aerosave that specializes in long-term parking, maintenance, and recycling. The site can accommodate up to 120 aircraft…

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), announcing that the country’s airspace will remain closed to Indian-registered aircraft until April 24.Pakistan has kept its airspace shut to Indian flights since April 23, 2025, a move that has reportedly caused losses amounting to billions of rupees for Indian airlines. The restriction was imposed in response to New Delhi’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following heightened bilateral tensions after the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).This is not the first time Pakistan has enforced such measures. Similar airspace restrictions…

ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels, under its Public Diplomacy initiative Raabta, hosted a special panel discussion to mark International Women’s Day, bringing together accomplished women from diverse fields to share their journeys, achievements, and perspectives on women’s empowerment. The dialogue highlighted the importance of resilience, leadership, and creating opportunities for women to thrive across all sectors of society. The panel featured three distinguished women whose work has created meaningful impact in their respective fields: renowned Pakistani singer Natasha Baig; Ms. Summiya Andrabi, Vice President of PFOWA; and Ms. Sarah Ahmad (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has once again demonstrated a strong and unified presence at ITB Berlin 2026, the world’s leading travel trade exhibition, which commenced on 3rd March 2026 in Berlin, Germany. Pakistan’s participation has been organized by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) under the umbrella of Ministry of IPC, in collaboration with the Provincial Tourism Departments of Punjab, Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan, and 16 leading private sector tour operator and hospitality companies. The Pakistan Pavilion was formally inaugurated by Mr. Sarwar Hussain Head of Chancery of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Federal Republic of Germany, reflecting the Government of…

KARACHI: Diplomats, media representatives, and prominent business leaders gathered at the Marriott Ramadan Grand Majlis hosted at Karachi Marriott Hotel for an elegant and culturally rich Iftar evening. This year’s Grand Majlis featured a Moroccan theme, transforming the venue with traditional colors, lanterns, and decorative elements inspired by Moroccan heritage, offering guests a captivating North African experience. The guests were welcomed with a lavish spread of authentic Moroccan cuisine, including aromatic Moroccan rice, tagine, couscous, and a selection of traditional desserts. The flavorful dishes, delightful aromas, and variety of beverages made the evening truly memorable for the attendees. Diplomats from…