**MP Yasmin Qureshi Urges Deputy PM Dar to Reconsider PIA London Office’s Closure**
British Member of Parliament Yasmin Qureshi has called on Pakistani authorities to reverse their decision to shut down the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) office in London.
In a letter addressed to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Qureshi voiced her concerns about the closure of PIA’s London office.
She emphasized that the London office has been operating for many years, and its closure, particularly as PIA is working to resume flights to the UK, is a cause for significant concern.
Qureshi also highlighted that PIA’s General Manager, Muhammad Shafiq, who was reportedly involved in the decision, is expected to join Airblue in the near future. This, she suggested, casts further doubt on the rationale behind the closure.
“If PIA is to regain its former stature as a leading airline, maintaining a strong presence in key markets like the US is essential. I believe that closing the London office at this critical time is a misguided move that could have long-term negative consequences for the airline,” Qureshi wrote in her letter to the Deputy Prime Minister.
MP Qureshi urged the Deputy Prime Minister to take action to ensure the London office remains open.
Meanwhile, sources report that Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has initiated preparations to resume flights to the UK.
Efforts are being made to secure slots at Heathrow Airport, with plans to operate from Terminal 4. PIA also intends to launch direct flights to Manchester and London by mid-March.
According to sources, PIA will deploy its Boeing 777 aircraft for its UK operations. The airline is also formulating strategies for flights to various European destinations.