KARACHI: In a significant development for Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, the maiden flight of Azerbaijan Airlines from Baku landed at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi late Thursday night, marking the metropolis as the third Pakistani city to establish direct air connectivity with the Central Asian State.
The arrival of the maiden flight was met with a warm reception, with Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Saifullah Dharejo, along with other dignitaries from the business and trade community, extending a hearty welcome to the crew and passengers. Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Pakistan Khazar Farhadov graced the occasion with his presence.
With over 90 passengers on board, the flight received a ceremonial water canon salute upon touchdown on the runway. Azerbaijan Airlines, already operating direct flights to Islamabad and Lahore, expanded its service by initiating two weekly flights to Karachi.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori hailed the expansion of air operations as a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
He noted the significant growth in bilateral trade volume, which has tripled since the commencement of direct flights. Emphasizing Karachi’s pivotal role as Pakistan’s economic and financial hub, Governor Tessori expressed optimism that enhanced air connectivity with the city would further strengthen trade ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov highlighted the historical ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, expressing confidence that direct flights would foster closer bonds between the people of both countries and contribute to bolstering bilateral relations. He mentioned ongoing efforts to establish preferential and transit trade agreements, which are expected to further boost bilateral trade.
The occasion was marked by a ceremonial cake-cutting ceremony, where Governor Tessori, Ambassador Farhadov, Minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo, and other officials exchanged traditional gifts of Ajrak as a symbol of cultural exchange and goodwill.
