The Pakistani government is actively pushing for the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and the United States, a move aimed at enhancing travel convenience and strengthening diplomatic relations. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed this ambition during a high-level meeting with Paul Kapur, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.
Naqvi emphasized that the bond between the two nations has seen significant growth, particularly noting that Pakistan-US ties have become more robust during the current tenure of President Donald Trump. The discussions centered on mutual trust and expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors. A key highlight of the meeting was the assurance of security for US firms, especially those involved in the high-stakes Reko Diq project. By prioritizing the safety of international investors, Pakistan aims to foster a more stable economic environment.
Beyond economic and travel logistics, the dialogue touched upon regional stability. Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict, a stance that earned praise from the US delegation. The meeting also addressed vital cooperation in counterterrorism and counternarcotics, reflecting a comprehensive approach to regional security.
This diplomatic push follows the successful revival of PIA’s direct flights to London earlier this year, ending a six-year suspension. With direct routes already operating from Islamabad and Lahore to the UK, the government is now focused on the North American market. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently confirmed that authorities are working closely with the US aviation authority to meet international standards. The expansion of the PIA fleet and the restoration of its global network are central to the government’s strategy to revitalize the aviation sector. As Pakistan continues to meet global safety benchmarks, the launch of direct flights to the US appears to be the next major milestone in its aviation recovery.
