ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved the resumption of international flights after closing its airspace to commercial flights since March to contain the coronavirus outbreak, citing sources.
According to details, the decision was taken in a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad today (Tuesday) after Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfi Bukhari briefed the members on the difficulties and hardships faced by overseas Pakistanis.
Sources further informed that the Prime Minister has directed concerned authorities to devise an action plan for the resumption of international flights.
Sources said that it was decided to restore international flight operations in phases. In the first phase, international flights will be resumed for the Gulf region. “The unemployed workers and laborers will be repatriated first,” sources added.
On the occasion, PM Imran said that overseas Pakistanis were close to his heart and that they could not be left alone at such pressing times.
He further said, “Millions of overseas Pakistanis have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic,” adding that “We understand the pain that they are going through.” He assured the cabinet that the Pakistani government would do everything possible to help the stranded Pakistanis.
It is worth mentioning here that the domestic flight operations resumed after two months in the country to facilitate passengers before Eid on May 16.
ADVERTISEMENT
