PIA chief meets Mahathir, discusses aviation matters

ISLAMABAD: The chief executive officer of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Arshad Malik on Friday met the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and exchanged views on extending flight operations between the two countries, ARY News reported.

Prime Minister Imran Khan was also present during the meeting.

The PIA chief said the airline’s operations in Malaysia was promoting tourism as well as trade ties.

Read: Mahathir Mohamad conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan

PM Khan said PIA was a national asset and the government was making efforts to enhance its efficiency. On the occasion, Defence Minister for Malaysia said Pakistan and Malaysia were taking joint steps for promotion of aviation.

Earlier, President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, on Friday conferred the country’s highest civilian award ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’ on Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during a ceremony at the President House.

The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan, federal ministers, parliamentarians and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahathir Mohamad said he was grateful to the government of Pakistan for inviting him and conferring him with the top civilian award of the country.

He remarked that the people of Pakistan and Malaysia were well aware of the cultures of the two countries.

“Malaysia wants to promote ties with Pakistan in every sector,” he stated.