ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national flag carrier announced its decision to reduce Umrah pilgrimage fares in a brief statement issued on Friday, saying the new rates would be implemented immediately.
The cost adjustment, which appears to be an attempt to ease the financial burden for the faithful embarking on the sacred journey, has come at a time when the government has approved an Rs8 billion lifeline to address the airline’s financial woes.
Prior to that, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was beginning to find it difficult to meet its operational expenses and canceling regular flight operations.
“PIA has announced an immediate reduction in Umrah fares,” an official statement circulated by the airline’s spokesperson said. “Two-way Umrah fare from Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad to Jeddah is Rs87,000 plus tax. Umrah fare from Karachi and Quetta is Rs79,000 plus tax.”
“These fares will be effective immediately,” the statement added.
The airfares for international travel significantly increased due to multiple factors after countries lifted lockdowns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PIA’s reduced rates are expected to incentivize pilgrims to travel through the national airline.
PIA slashes Umrah fares to support pilgrims amid financial aid boost
https://arab.news/4abze
PIA slashes Umrah fares to support pilgrims amid financial aid boost
- Last month, the government approved an Rs8 billion lifeline to address the airline’s financial woes
- PIA’s reduced rates are expected to incentivize local pilgrims to travel through the national airline
Pakistan backs Bahrain, calls for de-escalation as Iran war continues
- Dar speaks with Bahrain’s foreign minister, conveys concern over recent attacks in the Gulf
- Both officials call for regional peace a day after Bahrain’s oil exporter declared force majeure
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan called for dialogue and de-escalation to resolve the ongoing Iran war, an official statement said on Tuesday, expressing concern over its continuing spillover into neighboring Arab states following Tehran’s attacks in the Gulf region.
Tensions in the Gulf have surged since coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28, diminishing prospects of a diplomatic settlement to Tehran’s long-running dispute with Western countries and Israel over its nuclear program.
Iran subsequently said it was targeting American military bases in Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, prompting condemnations from those governments, which said several strikes had hit civilian infrastructure.
Pakistan condemned both the initial strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region, urging all sides to halt hostilities.
“Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke late last night with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister H. E. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in a social media post. “They exchanged views on the developments in the Middle East and the wider region, conveying grave concern over recent attacks, including in Bahrain.”
“DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Bahrain and its people, highlighting the need for de-escalation, dialogue, and efforts for peace and stability in the region,” it added.
The Iran war has disrupted regional energy infrastructure and oil trade.
Bahrain’s state oil company Bapco declared force majeure on its group operations on Friday following an attack on its refinery complex.
Bapco is a major exporter of fuels including diesel, jet fuel and naphtha to markets across the Middle East and Asia.
On Tuesday, Iran launched fresh attacks in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia also said it had destroyed two drones over its oil-rich eastern region and Kuwait’s National Guard said it had shot down six drones.
Dar told Pakistan’s Senate earlier this month that the government was actively striving to defuse tensions in the region. He has also remained in touch with top officials in both Iran and Arab countries.
