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  • PIA resumes flights from Pakistan to UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah after 18 years 


PIA resumes flights from Pakistan to UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah after 18 years 

A ceremony was held at Ras Al Khaimah airport, attended by PIA Country Head #UAE, Pakistan Council General & the airport's Chairman on Sept. 13, 2021. (Photo courtesy: PIA)
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Updated 13 September 2021
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PIA resumes flights from Pakistan to UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah after 18 years 

  • Move to facilitate Pakistani expatriates seeking to return to work in the Gulf state after months of passenger flight suspensions imposed by the UAE
  • Over 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates reside and work in the UAE 
Updated 13 September 2021
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed its flights to Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates after 18 years, following its announcement to set up new routes to the northern emirate last month, the national flag carrier said on Monday.

PIA already operates flights from all major Pakistani cities to different emirates of the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

However, its flights to Ras Al Khaimah, known for its stunning landscape and pristine beaches, from Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi are expected to facilitate more Pakistani expatriates returning to work in the Gulf state after months of passenger flight suspensions imposed by the UAE authorities.

“A modest ceremony was held at RKT airport attended by PIA Country Head #UAE, Pakistan Council General & Chairman @RAK_AIRPORT Authority to celebrate the event,” the PIA said in a Twitter post.

On Aug. 5, the UAE lifted a ban on transit passenger traffic from Pakistan, India, Nigeria and other countries. 

However, it still requires travelers from these countries to present negative COVID-19 PCR tests with a validity of 48 hours before departure from UAE-approved laboratories.

To facilitate Pakistani passengers traveling to the UAE, Pakistan set up PCR rapid testing facilities at all international airports in the country.

The rapid PCR test can determine a COVID-19 case even before a person becomes infectious, making it possible to isolate such individuals on time. 

Other types of tests detect viral proteins, revealing the coronavirus presence in a person’s respiratory system at the peak of the infection.

Over 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates live in the UAE and work in different public and private departments, remitting over $4 billion annually to the South Asian nation.

Topics: Pakistan UAE Ras Al Khaimah

Pakistan forecasts inflation to remain in moderate 5.5-6.5 percent range

Updated 10 sec ago
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Pakistan forecasts inflation to remain in moderate 5.5-6.5 percent range

  • Finance Division report says robust remittance inflows, steady performance of IT, service sectors to cushion external pressures
  • Consumer inflation in Pakistan has significantly reduced over the years when it surged to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023
Updated 10 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Inflation is expected to remain in the moderate range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent for December, the Finance Division said in its Monthly Economic Outlook report on Wednesday. 

Pakistan reported inflation at 6.1 percent on a year-on-year basis in November as compared to 6.2 percent in October. Pakistan’s inflation rate rose to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023 on account of surging food and fuel costs as Islamabad scrapped subsidies as part of a financial deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

“Inflation is projected to remain moderate, in the range of 5.5-6.5 percent in December, primarily reflecting base effect,” the report said. 

The Finance Division’s report said Pakistan’s economic outlook remains “positive,” driven by sustained growth in industrial activity due to continued momentum in textiles, automobiles, cement and food processing sectors. 

“Robust remittance inflows and steady performance in IT and services exports are likely to cushion external pressures,” the report said. 

The report said Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus of $100 million while it posted a deficit of $812 million during the July-November period.

It said remittances increased by 9.3 percent to $16.1 billion in November, led by inflows from Saudi Arabia (24.2 percent) and the UAE (20.8 percent), while the net foreign direct investment inflows were recorded at $927.4 million during the same July to November period. 

It said Pakistan’s fiscal consolidation is expected to continue supporting macroeconomic stability, with government efforts in expenditure management, enhanced tax collection and structural reforms contributing to sustainable growth. 

“Overall, Pakistan’s economy is projected to maintain its positive momentum in the coming months, driven by industrial growth, improved governance, digitalization, and prudent macroeconomic management,” the report said.

Topics: inflation in Pakistan

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