RAWALPINDI: The first-ever flight of Somon Air, Tajikistan’s national airline, received a water cannon salute as it landed at Islamabad International Airport from Dushanbe on Wednesday.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Faisal Karim Kundi and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan Yusuf Sharifzoda graced the event with their presence.

The momentous occasion was marked by the arrival of Flight SMR 129 at 11:45am, carrying fourteen passengers.

As a traditional gesture, fire tenders from the Civil Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Service presented a water cannon salute as part of a traditional aviation gesture to honor the first inaugural flight.

To celebrate this milestone, a small but delightful cake cutting ceremony was held at the airport. Notable figures such as KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan Yusuf Sharifzoda graced the event with their presence.

The Airport Manager, Syed Aftab Gilani, Director SAPs, and other esteemed dignitaries were also in attendance.

Later in the day, Flight SMR 130 departed from Islamabad at approximately 02:45 pm, carrying 52 passengers.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2024