ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reduced fares for its flights from Karachi to the Saudi cities of Jeddah and Madinah by 30 percent, a PIA spokesperson said on Monday.
After the reduction, a one-way ticket from Karachi to Jeddah or Madinah will cost Rs56,000 ($201), including tax, according to the PIA spokesperson.
A return ticket from Karachi to any of the two Saudi cities will cost Rs88,000 ($316), inclusive of tax. The new fares have already taken effect.
“Discounted fare tickets can be issued till August 31,” the spokesperson said. “Travel on discounted fare is limited till September 30.”
The announcement comes amid an ongoing Umrah season, which began in July. Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to the Islamic sites in Saudi Arabia. A shorter version of the Hajj, it is voluntary and can be performed throughout the year.
Thousands of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia each month to visit the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah for the Umrah pilgrimage.
Last month, Pakistan’s national flag carrier announced direct Umrah flights to Jeddah from the Pakistani cities of Quetta and Faisalabad in a bid to facilitate pilgrims. The flights began on August 6.
PIA reduces fares for Karachi to Jeddah and Madinah flights by 30 percent
https://arab.news/9zhea
PIA reduces fares for Karachi to Jeddah and Madinah flights by 30 percent
- The announcement comes amid an ongoing Umrah pilgrimage season which began in July
- Thousands of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia each month to perform the Umrah pilgrimage
Pakistan announces plan to develop Port Qasim into climate-resilient industrial complex
- Port Qasim handles 51% of Pakistan’s sea trade, facilitates Islamabad’s trade with Central Asian states
- Maritime affairs ministry says 833 industrial units currently operational at Port Qasim, with 40 under construction
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Ministry announced on Monday that it aims to develop Port Qasim into a climate-resilient industrial complex, saying the move would create jobs, usher in investment and ensure sustainable development for the country.
According to its website, Port Qasim is one of the largest contributors to Pakistan’s economy, handling 51 percent of the country’s sea trade. The port also connects directly to Pakistan’s national highway and motorway network, facilitating trade between Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics.
Pakistan has recently attempted to upgrade its port infrastructure to handle higher trade volumes and improve connectivity between sea lanes and landlocked Central Asian states, leveraging its geographic position at the crossroads of South and Central Asia.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry chaired a meeting to discuss projects related to Port Qasim, the ministry said in a statement.
“During the meeting, a long-term plan for a climate-resilient industrial complex at Port Qasim was announced,” the statement said.
Chaudhry said Port Qasim would be developed into a global industrial and logistics hub, adding that it will become a “key gateway” for Pakistan’s national economy.
Officials briefed the minister that the development project for the port would cover an area of more than 14,000 acres. The port’s industrial complex has been divided into three distinct zones, with the eastern one designated for heavy industry and export-oriented units, and the northwestern zone for the promotion of value-added industries and port services.
The southwestern zone of the complex has been earmarked for special industrial and commercial activities, the ministry said.
Chaudhry said 833 industrial units are currently operational at the port while 40 are under construction. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing port infrastructure and improving road and rail connectivity.
“Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the Port Qasim Industrial Complex will emerge as a hub for employment generation, investment, and sustainable development,” the statement said.
Pakistan seeks to upgrade streamline port operations and enhance trade relations with regional countries as it seeks to escape a prolonged macroeconomic crisis that has put a strain on its resources and triggered a balance of payments crisis in the country over the past few years.
