Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started direct flights from Lahore to Baku, Azerbaijan, marking an important step towards improving international travel and promoting tourism.
The launch is also seen as a sign of stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, with hopes of boosting tourism, trade, and connections between people from both countries.
A special ceremony was held at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport to celebrate the occasion. The event was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and attended by Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov.
Speaking at the event, Asif said that Pakistan is now seeing the positive results of its diplomatic efforts. He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, saying the country’s economy is moving forward after facing tough times.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also welcomed the launch of the direct flights, saying it would support tourism growth.
He mentioned that PIA plans to start direct flights with more friendly countries in the future. Calling this development a big diplomatic success, he noted that Azerbaijan is one of Pakistan’s closest allies and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working together with Azerbaijan in tourism and other areas.
