London, (Shahzad Ali) __ The recent announcement from the UK government to lift the ban on Pakistan’s national airline has been met with enthusiasm by Luton Conservative Party Group Leader, Councillor Raja Muhammad Aslam Khan. He hailed this decision as a vital advancement towards reinstating direct flight operations for Pakistani airlines to the UK, addressing a long-standing aspiration of the Pakistani community.

Councillor Raja Aslam emphasized the multifaceted benefits of this development, stating that it will greatly facilitate thousands of families while also reinforcing the bilateral relationship between the UK and Pakistan. The return of direct flights is not just a matter of convenience; it symbolizes a restoration of national pride and has significant implications for the diaspora in the UK.

Highlighting the particular importance of this decision for the British Pakistani Kashmiri community, Khan reminisced about the past services of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which included the compassionate transport of deceased community members to Pakistan at no cost. He expressed optimism that such valuable services could be reinstated, alleviating some of the challenges faced by families in need during difficult times.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, acknowledged the improvements made in Pakistan’s aviation safety systems, a result of collaborative efforts between UK and Pakistani experts. She mentioned that following an independent and technical review conducted by the UK’s Air Safety Committee, Pakistan was removed from the watch list.

With this clearance, Pakistani airlines can now pursue the necessary permits to resume operations to the UK. The eventual resumption of flight services is anticipated to foster not only travel but also enhanced trade, tourism, and investment opportunities, reinforcing the importance of the United Kingdom as Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner.

In conclusion, the lifting of the ban presents a promising opportunity for both countries to strengthen their ties and enhance the well-being of their citizens.