ISLAMABAD: In a landmark moment in Pakistan’s aviation history, the world’s largest passenger plane, Airbus A380, landed at the new Islamabad International Airport Sunday afternoon.
Operated by the Emirates airlines, the plane flew from Dubai in the morning and safely reached its destination in a little more than three hours.
Despite being a one-off flight, it was packed with commercial passengers, many of whom regularly travel between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.
The plane also carried some special guests to mark the occasion.
These included Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, Moazzam Ahmed Khan, and Captain Fazle Ghani, who flew the first Emirates flight to the country in 1985.
The UAE airlines company intends to regularize this flight between Dubai and Islamabad in the coming days.
Its arrival today in the country’s federal capital is likely to convince other major airlines to include some major destinations in Pakistan in their flight schedules.
The new Islamabad International Airlines started operating at full capacity in the beginning of May 2018.
It is the biggest airport facility in Pakistan and it is estimated that it will serve 15 million passengers every year in the first phase of its operations.
World’s largest plane lands at Islamabad International Airport
World’s largest plane lands at Islamabad International Airport
- Emirates Airbus A380 landed at the new Islamabad International Airport on Sunday afternoon
- While it is a one-off flight, UAE’s airline company intends to regularize it in the coming days
China backs Pakistan in fight against militancy after deadly Balochistan attacks
- China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in major infrastructure projects, including in Balochistan
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian says ‘we mourn for lives lost, and our hearts go out to injured and those who lost loved ones’
ISLAMABAD: China condemns the recent attacks that killed more than 200 people in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Pakistan in its fight against militancy.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) group launched coordinated attacks in several cities across Balochistan on Saturday, killing 33 civilians and 17 security personnel. Officials said 117 militants were killed in skirmishes and follow-up operations.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is the site of a decades-long insurgency waged by Baloch separatist groups who often attack security forces, foreigners and non-local Pakistanis and kidnap government officials.
China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“China strongly condemns the [Balochistan] attacks... We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
“China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will as always firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people.”
Chinese nationals working in Pakistan have often been targeted by militants, particularly in the southwestern Balochistan province, where China is developing a deep seaport that is touted as the crown jewel of CPEC.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week the attacks, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), were planned from India. New Delhi rejected the allegation as “baseless,” saying Islamabad was attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges.
Balochistan is home to vast reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons. Separatist militant groups such as the BLA blame Islamabad for exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources and denying locals a share in them. The military and civilian government reject these allegations and say they are investing in the province’s development.
