ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan International Airline (PIA) carrying pilgrims landed in Damascus after 22 years, the airline’s CEO said on Saturday.
Sharing an 11-second video on his social media handle, PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik wrote on Twitter: “Alhamdolillah, after 22 years, PIA landed in #Damascus, with #pilgrims”.
The CEO said that the resumption of flights “with an aim to promote religious tourism [and] restore relations with Syria [is] in line with the vision of @ImranKhanPTI [and] @GovtofPakistan.”
Malik also acknowledged the efforts of his team, saying: “Salute to Ambassador Air [Marshal] Saeed M Khan for his great support. Long live PIA.”
According to Gulf News, the PIA plane touched down at Damascus International Airport on Friday from Karachi.
The flight carried nearly 300 passengers including Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan.
Alhamdolillah, After 22 years, #PIA landed in #Damascus, with #pilgrims with an aim to promote religious tourism & restore relations with Syria in line with the vision of @ImranKhanPTI & @GovtofPakistan. Salute to Amb Air Mshl Saeed M Khan for his great support long live PIA pic.twitter.com/yJgNJZb6jw
— Air Marshal Arshad Malik (Retd) (@amarshadmalik) September 18, 2021
Speaking on the occasion, Syrian Transport Minister Zouheir Khzeim said: “The flight is the first after a 20-year hiatus, describing it as an important step for developing economic links between his country and Pakistan.”
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