KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) completed its inaugural direct flight from Lahore to Baku on Sunday, a development Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described as a “major diplomatic success” and a step toward deepening ties with regional allies.
The new air link is part of Islamabad’s broader strategy to strengthen economic, tourism and diplomatic ties with Central Asian countries. Pakistan has been pushing to expand trade routes and people-to-people connectivity to boost its economy through enhanced trade, tourism and investment.
“This is a major diplomatic success for Pakistan,” Sharif said in a statement issued by his office after the flight arrived in Baku. “Azerbaijan is among our closest friends in the region, and we are striving to build partnerships with it across sectors, including tourism.”
Flight PK-159 departed Lahore at 11:50 AM with 152 passengers and landed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, where it received a warm welcome.
Pakistani Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Moinuddin, Airport Director Taimur Hassan and Azerbaijan’s Transport Minister Rashad Nabi greeted passengers on arrival.
The flight was celebrated onboard with a cake-cutting ceremony. Passengers received gift packs and mobile phones through a lucky draw. PIA’s return flight, PK-160, later departed from Baku for Lahore.
A formal send-off ceremony was held in Lahore earlier in the day, attended by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov.
“PIA is expanding its network, and Baku is an important addition to this chain,” Asif said. “This flight will significantly strengthen relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.”
Sharif said similar air links with other friendly countries would follow soon, as part of Pakistan’s plan to strengthen regional integration.
“The launch of direct PIA flights between Lahore and Baku will help promote tourism,” the prime minister said. “We will soon begin similar direct flights with other friendly nations.”
Pakistan PM hails first Lahore-Baku flight as ‘diplomatic success’
https://arab.news/6bgmp
Pakistan PM hails first Lahore-Baku flight as ‘diplomatic success’
- Shehbaz Sharif says the new air link will help promote tourism between the two countries
- The flight carrying 152 passengers was warmly received by Azerbaijan’s transport minister
Last supermoon of the year illuminates the night sky over Pakistan
- ‘Cold moon’ visible from Thursday evening to early Friday
- Brightest supermoon of the year occurred earlier on Nov. 5
LAHORE: Astronomy enthusiasts, students and families gathered in Pakistan’s cultural capital Lahore on Thursday night to observe the final supermoon of 2025.
It’s the third supermoon of the year and the last supermoon of 2025, according to Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit, causing it to appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
There are typically three to four supermoons in a year.
“It looks just beautiful, a delight. It is bright and shiny. I like watching full moon and always watch it when bright and full. Watching full moon always gives me a soothing pleasure,” resident of Lahore Saeeda Ahmed said.
“The supermoon is beautiful,” said another resident Ahsan Rasheed.
“There is a waterfall nearby and it’s reflection in water is enhancing the beauty. As you can feel the moon is very bright today. It is brighter than an ordinary full moon.”
The December full moon is traditionally called the Cold Moon due to its appearance in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter season.
SUPARCO on Wednesday encouraged astronomy enthusiasts, families and students to observe the event, noting that no special optical gear is required.
The brightest supermoon of the year occurred earlier on Nov. 5, when the Moon came slightly closer at 356,978 km.
Pakistan’s space agency said 2025 has been one of the most favorable years for sky-watchers in South Asia, with multiple clear viewing windows and high illumination.
