British diplomats, citizens start leaving Pakistan through PIA flights
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As much-awaited move, two special PIA flights carrying British diplomats and other nationals left Islamabad for the UK on Saturday.
The first PIA flight PK9701 left for Manchester and the second PK9785 for London, as the Airlines has planned nine special flights for the UK in the coming days.
Two more flights PK701 and PK791 are scheduled for Manchester and Birmingham tomorrow (Sunday) from the federal capital.
These planes will return empty from the UK as Pakistan has suspended the normal international flight operations.
According to the schedule released by the PIA, two flights will leave for London and Manchester from Islamabad on April 7.
On April 8, one flight will be operated from Islamabad to Manchester and another from Lahore to London.
Similarly, two PIA aircraft will transport British nationals from Islamabad to Manchester and another to London.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Christian Turner thanked the PIA for its cooperation in ensuring the return of Brits back to their country.
Update on 🇵🇰 flights to 🇬🇧 1/4:
— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) April 4, 2020
Bahut shukriya @Official_PIA for your partnership at this difficult time #TogetherWeCan - 3 full flights will go to Manchester & Heathrow this weekend, carrying some of the most vulnerable Brits who got in touch with @ukinpakistan
Earlier, he had said that they were in talks with the Pakistan government about what could be done and working hard to assist the vulnerable.
We know this latest update on flights will cause further concern for Brits anxious to get home. @ukinpakistan is talking urgently with 🇵🇰 Government about what can be done, and working hard to assist vulnerable https://t.co/EEduiWqZb5 @ForeignOfficePk
— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) March 28, 2020
We know this is a difficult time for many. Up to 100k British nationals in Pakistan & last year we had nearly half a million people travelling between 🇬🇧 & 🇵🇰. We will continue to work to support Brits wanting to get home, especially the most vulnerable. https://t.co/SaaXJrgQHx
— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) April 2, 2020