MULTAN, Oct 28 (APP) - Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said the commencement of Hajj flights from Multan by the present government has fulfilled the longstanding demand of the people of South Punjab. He was addressing the intending Hajjis of the maiden Hajj flight from Multan at a ceremony on the commencement of direct Hajj flights from Multan.
The Prime Minister said it was an important day for the people of Multan and South Punjab, as the commencement of direct Hajj flights from this historic city will greatly facilitate the people of this area in performing Hajj and Umra.
Gilani said the first Hajj flight was carrying 466 intending pilgrims, while this operation will continue till November 7 during which a total of 4735 intending Hajjis would be taken to the holy land by operating ten Hajj flights.
The Prime Minister said for this the first phase of expansion and up-gradation of Multan Airport was near completion, whereas after the completion of second phase, the operation of international flights would be initiated to facilitate the people of this region.
He said the commencement of international flights from Multan will not only help boost trade and economic activities in the area through air freight services but would also help promote tourism.
The Prime Minister said the operation of international flights from Multan will help the growers and traders of South Punjab to take their produce, particularly the fruit, to international market.
The Prime Minister said Multan being a historic city and also famed as a city of Sufis and saints, who always preached peace and harmony, attracts people from across the world.
The direct flights from Multan would help facilitate the international tourists to visit the area, he added.
The Prime Minister described the intending Hajjis as ambassadors of Pakistan in the holy lands of Makkah and Madina and urged them to pray for the country and nation during Hajj.
Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi also addressed the ceremony, which was attended among others by a number of parliamentarians and notables of Multan.
Source: APP
