Azerbaijan Airlines’ direct flight from Baku to Lahore landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport with warm welcome not only in shape of water slide but with shining eyes as well that were waiting to see this scene for long. The first flight connecting both brotherly countries has certainly opened a new chapter in the bilateral relations that has no match in the history. It was a dream of both countries that became a reality on the midnight of 23 and 24 Sep 2023. In addition to already available PIA flights, AZAL flight is another milestone achieved in the way of direct connectivity between two countries.
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov and staff were present to received the travelers at the airport. Advisor to the Prime Minister on Aviation, Air Marshal (Rtd) Farhat Hussain Malik, CEO of the Airport Authority and other officials of Pakistan welcomed the crew and the passengers of Azerbaijan Airline AZAL with open arms and warm regards. The smiling faces of the crew of the airline were adding to the happiness of the officials from both sides on the success of the direct operation.
Direct connectivity is the most desired thing in Pakistan with Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan. Pakistani tourists, students and businessmen have to travel extra and spend double to reach to these countries. They always question when we are so near, we have close and cordial relations and convergence of regional and international affairs, and above all when we have historical ties spanned on centuries, then why we do not have direct access?
The governments, businessmen and people of these countries are also keen to have direct travel facilities with Pakistan. This is reciprocal phenomenon. The matter of satisfaction is that both sides are cognizant of this bilateral desire that is more a necessity actually to promote people to people , business to business and gov to gov bonds in all possible sectors of mutual cooperation.
We have the models in the world in which we see that the neighboring and regional countries simplified the access to one another, encouraged trade with neighbors and regional states to make shared development assured. European Union is the clear example. It was thanks to regional connectivity and cooperation only that the countries emerged in few years after the destruction of two large scale wars.
It was highly unfortunate that many efforts in the past for direct connectivity could not be sustained due to low number of passengers. Decades ago, Pakistani private airline Aero Asia was operating in Central Asia and Russia but it was also come to end. Latest efforts from multiple sides have once again restored the direct flight connection. Uzbekistan Airline, SCAT of Kazakhstan and PIA of Pakistan are the examples. And now AZAL has reciprocated to PIA’s flights to Baku that were started only a few months ago.Pakistani wishful travelers expect that the flights will be sustained.
At Lahore airport , the arrival of AZAL was a big celebration. Ambassador and Pakistani officials cut the cake to mark the success of first flight. The arrival lounge was decorated with flags of both countries and colorful balloons. Ever one was looking in great spirit indicating the feelings that both sides have for each other.
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov was overwhelmed with the felicitation from all around from every one present at the occasion. He said that the increase in direct flights between the brotherly countries will increase the travel options for passengers and the brotherly relations between the two countries.
AZAL flew back to Baku with more than 70 passengers of Pakistan who are mostly businessmen. This is not a low number for a first flight. As a working editor and meeting with people in different walks of life, I know that many Pakistanis are planning to visit Baku via AZAL as soon as possible. They are tourists, journalists and traders.
Pakistanis who are in their 40s or 50s know Azerbaijan for Koh e Qaaf that is a mountain about which they have read in the short stories for children in the decades of 70s and 80s. In Azerbaijan it is called Caucus. Pakistani children in 70s and 80s would read the fairy tales of Koh e Qaaf interestingly in which mostly a Damon kidnaps a princess while the prince of nearby state risks his life to get the princess free killing the Damon with the help of some saint or kind hearted fairy. This connection can be useful in attracting more tourists from Pakistan.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan has made the visa process quite easy with a nominal fee. One can get the visa online in 3 working days only. More good news will soon come from Karachi and Islamabad when the AZAL flights will also touch the run ways in these two financial and government capitals of Pakistan. AZAL has plan to operate two flights each for the three big cities of Pakistan every week.
Our organizations Monthly “Pakistan in the World” magazine and current affairs website, Daily Azkaar, the Urdu newspaper from Rawalpindi/Islamabad have always supported the efforts of the embassy in enhancing the bilateral cooperation. We also highlighted the need of direct connectivity between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. We have disseminated information about the beginning of direct flights of AZAL in Pakistan widely , repeatedly. Now when this milestone has been achieved, we heartily extend our congratulations to Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, his staff, the government of Azerbaijan and AZAL. Our best wishes for the success and sustainability of this direct connectivity.
Tazeen Akhtar
Azerbaijan Airlines’ direct flight from Baku to Lahore landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport with warm welcome not only in shape of water slide but with shining eyes as well that were waiting to see this scene for long. The first flight connecting both brotherly countries has certainly opened a new chapter in the bilateral relations that has no match in the history. It was a dream of both countries that became a reality on the midnight of 23 and 24 Sep 2023. In addition to already available PIA flights, AZAL flight is another milestone achieved in the way of direct connectivity between two countries.
