CENTRAL ASIA MONITORING DESK ISLAMABAD
Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Lahore Rao Khalid Mahmood is aptimistic on the restoration of direct flights between the two countries that were started by SCAT Air after hectic efforts of Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin between Almaty and Lahore but later suspended due to lack of travelers. This time , it will be PIA as shared by the honorary consul.
As ” Pakistan in the World ” reported , 8th July of 2023 became a historical day and milestone in the history of bilateral relations between Republic of Kazakhstan and Pakistan when the first direct flight took off from Almaty and landed at Lahore international airport. Both cities are the center of civilizations, culture, education, trade and business making them like sister cities of brotherly nations.
This direct connectivity opened the door on the people, tourists, students and businessmen of both countries to meet and greet and treat each other as friends and brothers and sisters to exchange views and information about each other to bridge the gaps and build the relations for mutual benefit. Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin proudly welcomed the flight at Lahore International.
On the first flight, there was a delegation of businessmen headed by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Lahore M.Rao and Co-Chairman of the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Business Council Mehmood ul Hassan Awan went to Almaty.
Two times a week every Wednesday and Saturday, SCAT Airlines operated direct flights on the route Almaty-Lahore. The duration of the flight is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The honorary consul, in an interview, expressing optimism about the near future, he said he hoped that direct flights between the two countries would soon resume through Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which would help improve connectivity and promote people-to-people exchanges.
He did not comment about SCAT Air flights resumption is also on the cards or not.
It is true that the visit of President Tokayev to Pakistan and many visits of Pakistani Prime Minister and President to Kazakhstan have paved the way to enhance connectivity and the best is through air but in case of PIA, the situation is different now. Earlier , it was under direct gov control but now it is privatized to make it feasible. New administration would be careful to starting a new route that can not be profitable in the start.
As shared by a concerned official, PIA admin is evaluating this sector as it is in our interest to have a strong network for central Asian republics and there is a strong bond between the people of Pakistan and people of Kazakhstan
In his interview, the honorary consul lauded the deepening strategic partnership between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, termed the recent presidential visit to Pakistan a landmark development after many years, and voiced optimism that direct flights between the two countries would soon resume to further strengthen bilateral ties.
He highlighted expanding opportunities in trade, investment and agriculture, as well as prospects for establishing new industries, strengthening chamber-level collaboration, promoting tourism, organising cultural festivals such as Basant, and enhancing labour exchange between the two countries. He described these recent developments as a significant milestone in deepening bilateral relations.
The honorary consul further noted that after a decade, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan had been revived under the current government’s leadership, creating fresh momentum for cooperation across multiple sectors.
He also urged the Punjab government to ensure that next year’s Basant festival is celebrated on a larger scale, with diplomats and foreign embassies invited to participate in order to promote cultural exchange and project a positive and healthy image of the country. He noted that this year’s festival had helped present a softer and more welcoming image of Pakistan at the international level.
Here it is worth mentioning that there are two opinions about Basant. 1- Yes 2- No. It is matter of fact that the same government of Punjab was acting against Basant and kite flying untill the last year while the same gov not only allowed it this year but promoted as well. Therefore Basant is not a constant phenomenon here. Moreover, it is hazardous in many ways that is known to all , how.
17 deaths occurred in Lahore only on the latest Basant. Government of Punjab itself submitted a report in the high court in this regard.
