Khawaja Asif Inaugurates Resumption of PIA’s UK Flight Operations; First Flight Departs for Manchester Today

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister **Khawaja Asif** inaugurated the **resumption of Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA)** flight operations to the **United Kingdom**, marking the end of a five-year suspension. The **first flight from Islamabad to Manchester** is scheduled to depart today.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Khawaja Asif praised the efforts of **Pakistan’s diplomatic staff**, acknowledging their role in lifting the ban on PIA’s UK operations. He also extended special appreciation to **British High Commissioner Jane Marriott** for her key support in the process.

“The ban on PIA caused significant losses to the government,” Asif said. “We have worked to restore the airline’s standards after the fake pilot license scandal that led to the suspension.”

Meanwhile, **Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal**, said that **flights to additional UK cities** are expected to be launched soon as part of the airline’s phased operational revival.