British MP requests Pakistan not to close PIA London Office
British Member of Parliament Yasmin
Qureshi has urged Pakistani authorities to reconsider the decision to shut down
Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) London office.
In a letter addressed to Pakistan's
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Qureshi expressed her concerns about the
closure, emphasizing that the London office had been an essential part of PIA's
operations for many years. She noted that this decision comes at a particularly
critical time, as PIA is in the process of resuming its flight services to the
UK.
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Qureshi further raised concerns
about the involvement of PIA’s General Manager, Muhammad Shafiq, in the
decision-making process, especially considering reports that he is set to join
Airblue soon. This, she argued, adds to the uncertainty surrounding the
closure.
The letter stressed, “If PIA is to
restore its position as a leading airline, maintaining a strong presence in key
markets like the UK is crucial. Closing the London office at this juncture is a
shortsighted decision that could have lasting negative repercussions for the
airline.”
Qureshi has called on the Deputy
Prime Minister to take the necessary steps to keep the London office
operational.
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Meanwhile, sources have indicated
that PIA has begun preparations to revive its UK flights. Efforts are underway
to secure slots at Heathrow Airport, with plans to operate from Terminal 4.
Direct flights to both Manchester and London are expected to begin by
mid-March. PIA intends to use its Boeing 777 aircraft for these routes, and
further strategies are being developed for additional European destinations.
Source: ARY News