Author: holidayweekly

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has shortlisted four potential investors to take over Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), marking a significant step forward in its drive to privatize the struggling national carrier. The Ministry of Privatization announced on July 9, 2025, that two consortiums and two standalone entities had cleared the prequalification stage. The decision was endorsed during a meeting chaired by Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization. The shortlisted parties include: 1: Airblue (a Pakistani airline) 2: Fauji Foundation (through Fauji Fertilizer) 3: Consortium 1: Lucky Cement, Hub Power, Kohat Cement, and Metro Ventures 4: Consortium 2:…

DUBAI: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has named Qatari royal and elite mountaineer Sheikha Asma Al Thani as Pakistan’s Brand Ambassador for Mountains and Tourism, following her historic summit of Nanga Parbat, one of the world’s most dangerous peaks. The announcement came shortly after Sheikha Asma became the first Qatari woman to scale the 8,126-metre peak known as “Killer Mountain”, located in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. Her appointment as Pakistan’s tourism ambassador is being seen as both a diplomatic gesture and a strategic move to promote Pakistan’s vast mountain ranges as a global destination for high-altitude adventure. In a statement posted…

By Ch. Faisal Mahmood 

ISLAMABAD: Chairing a high-level meeting on tourism, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s untapped potential, from snow-capped peaks to serene rivers, deserts to heritage sites that can rival any destination in the world. Prime Minister called for the creation of special tourism zones to transform Pakistan into a premier global tourist destination through public private partnership. Key directives include: This high level meeting held on 30th June was attended by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, Minister for Azad Jammu & Kashmir,…

GILGIT-BALTISTAN: The government has formally launched the upgrade project of Skardu International Airport, marking a key milestone in strengthening air connectivity and unlocking the economic potential of Gilgit-Baltistan. The formal launch event took place at a local resort in Skardu, where the joint venture consultancy, comprising Swiss firm Intairplan and its Pakistani partners, presented their strategic roadmap for the airport’s development. Senior officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) attended the meeting, including the Director Planning & Development, the Additional Director Project Monitoring, Project Director Skardu International Airport, and the Airport Manager Skardu. Reforms in aviation sector reviewed: PM for…

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed on Wednesday direct flights from Lahore to Paris after a gap of five years.The airline had announced resumption of of Lahore-Paris flights last month. The first weekly flight from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport to Paris departed at 12 noon.A total of 276 passengers boarded the flight PK-733.The PIA is already operating two weekly flights from Islamabad to Paris.For this flight, a Boeing 777 aircraft was operated, which had recently undergone an interior refurbishment to enhance passenger comfort, according to the PIA. To mark the resumption of PIA’s Paris-bound flights, a ceremony was held…

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways has further increased its flight frequencies to Karachi, Pakistan, with tickets now on sale. This expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to provide guests with more travel options and enhanced connectivity. From October 1, Etihad will start flying four times a day on the Abu Dhabi – Karachi route, providing a total of 28 weekly nonstop services to Pakistan’s economic hub. The enhanced flight frequencies and optimised departure and arrival times are carefully designed to provide guests with maximum convenience and seamless connectivity across Etihad’s expanding global network, including the UAE, the Middle East…

ISLAMABAD: The Uzbekistan Airways will launch direct ‘Tashkent–Islamabad’ flights starting June 14, 2025 for increasing the air connectivity between two friend countries. As part of a broader vision to enhance regional integration and connectivity, Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan, will launch direct flights between Tashkent and Islamabad mid of June 14, 2025. Operating every Saturday, the new route underscores the shared commitment of Uzbekistan and Pakistan to strengthen their long-standing partnership and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, said a release issued here on Thursday. This direct link marks a strategic advancement in bilateral relations and…

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a 50% discount on ticket prices for flights operating from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, specifically to the cities of Dammam, Riyadh, and Al-Qassim. According to a statement issued by a PIA spokesperson, the discount offer has been implemented immediately and will remain valid until June 9. “Passengers travelling from Pakistan to Dammam, Riyadh, and Al-Qassim can avail the 50% fare reduction on PIA flights. This initiative is aimed at providing financial relief and encouraging more travel during the busy Hajj season,” the airline stated. For booking and more information, passengers can contact PIA’s…

KARACHI: On May 26th, Luxus Hospitality Group hosted an exclusive event in Karachi, presenting their six remarkable properties to a large gathering of travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives. The event featured an engaging and detailed presentation followed by a vibrant question-and-answer session, offering attendees a deep dive into the group’s unique approach to luxury and sustainable tourism. Mr. Shann Lashari, Director of Luxus Hospitality, is an emerging force in Pakistan’s hospitality sector. Known for his proactive leadership and innovative vision, he is dedicated to redefining luxury tourism by integrating modern hospitality standards with eco-conscious design and practices. His…