The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been asked to work on a plan to operate direct flights between Pakistan and Central Asian countries, particularly Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, to further strengthen people-to-people and trade relations.

The directive was issued by federal Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique during a meeting with Kyrgyzstan envoy Totuiaev Ulanbek  Asankulovich and Kazakhstan ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin, according to information available with WealthPK.

Saad Rafique expressed his country’s desire to further improve on existing ties, especially in trade, between Pakistan and Central Asian countries.

The two sides discussed taping the potential in various sectors to the benefit of the people of both the regions.

The federal minister said Pakistan and Central Asian countries need to be mindful of the immense trade potential in various areas, particularly in railways and aviation.

The Kyrgyz and Kazakh envoys and the minister stressed the need to boost trade and investment in various sectors for mutual benefit.

The minister was of the view that as a Muslim country, Pakistan has cordial and brotherly relationship with Central Asian countries.

The envoys were apprised of the progress on the Main Line project of the Pakistan Railways, the connection of the Thar coal to power plants through railway lines, and launch of other passenger and freight services.

The minister said at completion, these projects will particularly facilitate the trade between Pakistan and Central Asian countries.

The foreign dignitaries expressed their respective countries’ desire to work on enhancing air, rail and road connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asian countries.

The Kyrgyz and Kazakh envoys extended their respective countries’ heartfelt sympathies with Pakistan over the loss of life and infrastructure because of the unprecedented rains and flooding across Pakistan.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk