Islamabad: The UK has lifted restrictions on Pakistani airlines, marking the end of a five-year ban on the country's national carrier, the British High Commission in Islamabad announced. This decision follows significant aviation safety improvements in Pakistan, allowing Pakistani airlines to resume operations in British skies.

According to TRTworld.com, the UK Air Safety Committee lifted the ban after evaluating the enhancements made in Pakistan's aviation sector. The ban had been in place since 2020, following an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses in Pakistan, a move that came shortly after a tragic Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crash that claimed 97 lives.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the lifting of the ban as "an important milestone for the country," emphasizing the relief it brings to Pakistanis residing in the UK. In a statement, he described the development as a significant step forward for bilateral relations.

PIA is preparing to resume its services to the UK, aiming to restart flights "in the shortest possible time." The airline plans to operate its first flights from Islamabad to Manchester, a route that was previously among its most profitable. The ban had resulted in an estimated annual revenue loss of around 40 billion rupees ($144 million) for the airline.

The decision also ties into Pakistan's recent moves towards privatising PIA. Earlier this month, the government approved four groups to bid for a 51-100 percent stake in the airline, with final bids expected later this year. The government hopes that the recent reforms, which led to PIA's first operating profit in 21 years, will make it attractive to potential buyers as part of an IMF-backed privatisation effort.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who also serves as Aviation Minister, highlighted the positive impact of resuming UK routes on PIA's value ahead of its privatisation. He also mentioned plans to restart flights to New York, acknowledging that the ban had previously caused significant losses for the airline.

PIA, which employs over 7,000 people, was established in 1955 following the nationalisation of a loss-making commercial airline. It experienced rapid growth until the 1990s, and the lifting of the UK ban represents a chance to restore its former prestige and operational capacity.