Ban lifted: PIA, Pakistani airlines can fly directly to Europe

–Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed on Friday that the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have lifted the ban on PIA flights to Europe.Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday confirmed that the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have lifted the ban on PIA flights to Europe. Terming it a historic day, the federal minister credited the achievement to the focused efforts of the aviation ministry. and adherence to international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).. EASA had suspended PIA’s European flights. Countries on 30 June 2020 after revelations of fake pilot licences. However, the suspension was temporarily relaxed following government efforts, allowing PIA to operate flights till 3 July 2020. Speaking to a private TV channel, the defense minister said, “We intend to resume operations as soon as possible. Though I cannot provide an exact date, it is only a matter of time.”