Business RecorderForeign Minister Ishaq Dar chatted with British leader David Cameron on Monday. According to the Foreign Office (FO), Dar told Cameron that it’s important to get Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the United Kingdom going again soon to strengthen connections between the two countries.
In July 2020, the UK, along with some other countries, stopped PIA flights because it was worried about the pilots’ licenses’ authenticity. On Saturday, Dar said PIA flights to the UK would start again “in weeks, not months.”
He discussed this issue with British government officials over the weekend in London. Sources told Dawn newspaper that Dar brought up this topic during his meetings and asked UK officials to consider it.
Minister Ishaq Dar (Credits: The Economic Times)
Today, the FO released a statement saying Dar got a call from British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Dar asked for flights to start up again, saying it would help strengthen connections, mainly because many Pakistanis live in the UK.
Dar thanked Lord Cameron for congratulating him on his new role and said he was excited to work closely with UK leaders to improve the relationship between the two countries. He also said working together on trade, investment, meeting people, and dealing with climate change is essential.
PIA flights to the UK (Credits: EasternEye)
The two leaders also discussed big issues in the region, such as what’s happening in Afghanistan and Gaza. Dar asked Lord Cameron to visit Pakistan whenever it would be beneficial for both of them.
“The foreign minister said Pakistan and the UK have been friends for a long time and have cooperated extensively. He said it’s important to finish the Enhanced Strategic Partnership agreement soon to strengthen the relationship,” the FO said.
