Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe as a significant achievement, expressing optimism about the airline’s return to its former stature.
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he highlighted that the first PIA flight to Paris has already taken off, and operations to the UK will be restored soon.
The PM praised the efforts of the cabinet, particularly Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Federal Minister for Investment Board, Communications, and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, for their contributions to this milestone.
Referring to challenges faced by PIA during the PTI-led government, he said that the aviation minister's statement from that era had caused severe economic damage. "Its adverse effects are now being mitigated through our efforts,” Shehbaz remarked.
The PM also announced the opening of a new Pak-Iran border crossing at Panjgur, which he said would enhance legal trade while curbing smuggling activities. He further noted that the situation in Kurram was returning to normal, with bunkers being destroyed and essential supplies such as food and medicine being delivered.
Highlighting ongoing efforts against terrorism, Shehbaz revealed that operations were being carried out against terrorists under the leadership of the army chief, adding that 27 terrorists had been eliminated recently during an operation in Balochistan.
"Operations are being carried out against terrorists in other places as well," he noted, and expressed the hope that peaceful conditions akin to those of 2018 would soon prevail across Pakistan.
Addressing concerns about electricity prices, the PM said a task force is working to reduce costs. Negotiations are underway with independent power producers (IPPs), and the Energy Ministry is focused on reducing electricity costs. A briefing on the progress is expected soon. "The function of Gencos is not to collect capacity payments," he noted.
Concluding the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to economic stability, security enhancement, and restoring public trust in national institutions.
