ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed the decision of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to lift a ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the bloc, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying it would make air travel easier for Pakistanis living in Europe.
EASA suspended PIA’s authorization to operate in the EU in June 2020 over concerns about the ability of Pakistani authorities and its Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
The suspension came days after Pakistan launched an investigation into the validity of pilots’ licenses issued in the country following a PIA plane crash that killed 97 people.
In his statement on Friday, PM Sharif said the lifting of EASA’s ban would strengthen the national flag carrier’s reputation and bring financial benefits to the airline, the state-run Radio Pakistani broadcaster reported.
“The lifting of the ban reflects the successful policies of Pakistan and air travel will become easier for Pakistanis living in Europe,” Sharif was quoted as saying by the broadcaster.
The ban was costing PIA nearly 40 billion Pakistani rupees ($144 million) in revenue annually, according to government records presented in parliament.
PIA and the government had been pressing EASA to lift the ban even provisionally. The government’s attempt to privatize the airline fell flat when it received only a single offer this year, that too well below its asking price.
In a statement, the PIA also vowed to abide by the EASA regulations as it welcomed the lifting of the ban.
“The PIA administration will remain fully compliant with EASA and its rules and regulations,” the airline said.
Lifting of EU safety agency ban on PIA flights will make air travel easier for Pakistanis — PM
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Lifting of EU safety agency ban on PIA flights will make air travel easier for Pakistanis — PM
- European Aviation Safety Agency suspended PIA’s authorization in June 2020 over aviation safety concerns
- The suspension came days after Pakistan launched an investigation into the validity of pilots’ licenses
Pakistan urges pilgrims to complete Saudi biometrics as Hajj preparations gain pace
- Government warns pilgrims biometric verification is required for Hajj visas
- Step follows tighter oversight after last year’s Hajj travel disruptions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government on Friday urged aspiring pilgrims to complete mandatory Saudi biometric verification for Hajj visas, as preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage gather pace following stricter oversight of the Hajj process.
The announcement comes only a day after Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said regulations for private Hajj operators had been tightened, reducing their quota following widespread complaints last year, when tens of thousands of pilgrims were unable to travel under the private Hajj scheme.
“Saudi biometric verification is mandatory for the issuance of Hajj visas,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a statement, urging pilgrims to complete the process promptly to avoid delays.
“Hajj pilgrims should complete their biometric verification at home using the ‘Saudi Visa Bio’ app as soon as possible,” it added.
The statement said the pilgrims who were unable to complete biometric verification through the mobile application should visit designated Saudi Tasheer centers before Feb. 8, adding that details of the centers were available on Pakistan’s official Hajj mobile application.
Pakistan has been steadily implementing digital and procedural requirements for pilgrims ahead of Hajj 2026, including mandatory training sessions, biometric checks and greater use of mobile applications, as part of efforts to reduce mismanagement.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, with the majority of seats reserved under the government scheme and the remainder allocated to private tour operators.
