SKARDU: The Pearl-Continental Hospitality Division of Hashoo Group, one of Asia’s leading hospitality service providers, in partnership with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Syed Imran Ali Shah, proudly announces the opening of PC Legacy Skardu, an upscale hotel poised to redefine the hospitality landscape in the region and open new avenues for tourism in Skardu. Located just minutes from Skardu International Airport, the hotel offers unparalleled convenience for travelers from both within Pakistan and abroad, thanks to direct flights connecting many countries to the region. With a dedicated 24/7 airport shuttle service, guests can step off their flights and immediately experience…
Author: holidayweekly
JEDDAH: Saudi low-cost carrier Flyadeal announced Tuesday plans to launch scheduled flights to Pakistan’s commercial capital, Karachi, starting February 2, 2025. According to an airline statement, this marks the start of a major international expansion drive by the budget carrier and heralds the airline’s first scheduled service to Pakistan and South Asia. Starting February 2, Karachi will be served twice weekly by the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and the commercial hub of Jeddah. According to CEO Steven Greenway, more cities are in the pipeline. “I would like to applaud the Pakistani authorities and our planning team for working diligently to bring…
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced plans to expand its fleet and enhance operations following the induction of a newly refurbished Airbus 320 and an ATR aircraft, aiming to boost competitiveness in domestic and international markets. The national carrier, which holds a 23% share of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market, has faced challenges with its 34-plane fleet in competing globally. Despite agreements with 87 countries and access to prime landing slots, PIA has struggled to offer direct flights. “The 11th Airbus 320 AP-BOM has been inducted into the operational fleet with new engines, paint, and cabin upgrades,” PIA said in a…
KARACHI: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has officially launched its new Travel Store in Karachi, making it the airline’s first experiential retail concept to be rolled out in West Asia. Located in the prestigious Sky Tower, Karachi Towers, on Abdul Sattar Edhi Avenue in Clifton, the 183-square-meter store offers immersive experiences grounded in technology, and best-in-class support from dedicated teams on the ground. The store was officially inaugurated by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean, in the presence of His Excellency Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, Ambassador of the United…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis lodged 28,000 applications for international protection in the European Union Plus countries between October 2023 and October this year, the EU’s Agency for Asylum (EUAA) said in a Pakistan-specific report released last week. The monthly figures have followed a downward trend since reaching a peak in October last year, when Pakistanis lodged around 3,400 applications. The number for October this year stands at 1,900. Italy was the main receiving country for asylum applications by Pakistanis, followed at a distance by France, Greece and Germany. According to the “Country Focus on Pakistan Report”, EU Plus countries issued around 20,000…
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) can now perform Umrah at any time of the year. Their Umrah can be organized in several different ways to ensure a seamless and smooth pilgrimage, the ministry said. Pilgrims can purchase an Umrah package on Saudi Arabia’s official digital gateway for pilgrimage services, the Nusuk platform. They can also apply for a visa through accredited visa centers. For those who are transiting through the Kingdom on Saudia Airlines or Flynas, a transit visa can be acquired, enabling them to perform Umrah…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday addressed the critical issue of visa issuance for Pakistani nationals during a high-level diplomatic meeting. The UAE assured Pakistan of its efforts to expedite the visa process for Pakistani applicants. The News reported. The matter was discussed when UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al Zaabi met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Office (FO). The meeting also included talks on strengthening cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). “Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister and…
RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in collaboration with Pak America Business Forum organized 5th edition of Pak-America Business Summit at a Marriot Hotel in Islamabad. The speakers including U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Former President and Group Leader Sohail Altaf, Chairman PABF Waqar Khan and President PABF Anwar Azam emphasized the critical role of bilateral business relationships in promoting mutual economic prosperity and underscored the ongoing commitment to strengthening economic connections between the two nations. Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, Former Presidents, Kashif Shabbir, Dr. Shimail Daud,…
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a waiver of the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) international tickets, paving the way for significant fare reductions. According to sources in the Privatization Commission (PC), the waiver was granted at the request of the Pakistani government and could result in substantial savings for travellers. Passengers flying to the USA might save up to Rs350,000, while those traveling to Africa and the Middle East could see ticket prices drop by up to Rs105,000. Similarly, flights to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East may offer savings of…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in collaboration with Alpine Club of Pakistan, World Bank Group, Hashoo Group, Riphah International University, STFP, National Incubation Centers (NICs), COTHM, PNCA, and provincial tourism departments, Punjab Tourism for Economic Development Project and Ignite Technology Fund, successfully commemorated International Mountain Day 2024 with a one-day conference on Sustainable Mountain Tourism, photographic competition and tourism startups exhibition at PNCA Islamabad. The event, aligned with this the theme, “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth,” focused on innovative strategies and sustainable practices to safeguard mountain ecosystems while empowering youth. Large number of people…