ISLAMABAD, May 26: Diplomats, foreign as well as domestic tourists and local people have appreciated the launching of direct air service between Islamabad and Chitral, describing it a step forward in the promotion of tourism.

“PIA’s new service connecting the landlocked district of Chitral with the federal capital will definitely help in promoting tourism in the picturesque valley and lessening the communication-related problems of the people”, said PIA senior vice-president (quality assurance) Capt Javed A. Khan who travelled on the inaugural flight (PK-664) to Chitral on Friday.

He said the national flag carrier would operate four flights a week on the route which would relieve pressure on the Peshawar- Chitral flights, specially in winter when the only land route to the district via the Lowari Pass remains closed for almost five months.

The crew and passengers of the first flight including local and foreign tourists were presented bouquets by the locals at the Chitral airport.

Simon Grovcy and Emny Grave of the British High Commission who were the first foreign tourists to travel on the ATR’s maiden flight, said it was a longstanding demand of foreign and local tourists which had been fulfilled with commissioning of the new route.

Captain Sirajul Mulk and Wing Commander (retired) Fardad Ali Shah appreciated the PIA initiative and said it would start showing its positive results soon.