SWAT: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) restored regular flight operations to Swat after a gap of 17 years on Friday.
Flight PK-650, carrying tourists as well Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, and federal minister Murad Saeed, landed at the picturesque valley(Swat)at 11 am.
The restoration of flights to Swat was aiming at boosting tourism in the scenic valley, with two flights operating from Islamabad every week. The operation will connect with flights from Karachi and Lahore.
Speaking at the departure of the flight, the aviation minister said that the flights to the city were earlier closeing due to financial constraints and terrorism.
He added that the people of Swat and Malakand bravely fought back terrorism alongside security forces.
Sarwar termed the flights an important development at present, saying they will be increased over time.
The flights, he maintained, will not just add to the national exchequer but also boost tourism in #Pakistan. Swat will also witness development as a result, he maintained.
K-P CM talk
Following the flight’s arrival, a ceremony presided over by the K-P CM, was held at the airport. Public office holders in the district were also in attendance.
Talking to the media, Mahmood termed the regularisation of flights after a span of 17 years a significant milestone.
He thanked Prime Minister #ImranKhan for restoring the flights that had been irregular for the past 17 years.
He also praised #MuradSaeed, civil aviation authority, #PIA, and the district administration for their efforts to restore the flights.
The minister felicitated the people of #Malakand in general and #Swat in specific on the important #development.
He hoped that the regularisation would help uplift tourism and employment opportunities in the #valley.
Mahmood added that the incumbent government was paying special attention to boosting #tourism.
I am a freelance writer studying Mass Communication at the University of Karachi in the faculty of Media sciences. Also certified from Hubspot Academy as a Content Marketer.