PIA resumed its flight operation to Europe today (Friday) with its first flight taking off from Islamabad International Airport to Paris.

This comes after the European Union lifted a four-year ban on the airline. Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed the resumption of flights to Europe as a historic moment, saying that gradually the national flag carrier will operate across all of Europe.

He expressed the commitment to restore the past prestige of PIA, emphasizing the national flag carrier is our pride and identity. The Defence Minister mentioned that PIA flights to the UK and the US will also commence.

Khawaja Asif said PIA will be privatized and its fleet will be expanded. He said PIA will recapture its market.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has felicitated the nation on the resumption of PIA flights to Europe, saying the direct flights will facilitate the expatriate Pakistanis.

In a statement today (Friday), he said the ban on flights inflicted loss worth billions of dollars on the national flag carrier and hurt its reputation.

He said with the blessings of God Almighty, the government restored the image of PIA. He said the airline is on the path of development following the resumption of flights to Europe. In this regard, he commended the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and other relevant departments.