PESHAWAR, Oct 29: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah welcomed here on Monday evening the launching of direct flights of the Saudi Airlines from Peshawar to Jeddah and Riyadh, and said it would not only facilitate the travellers but also promote business and trade activities between the two countries.

Addressing as the chief guest at a prestigious ceremony arranged by the airlines in a hotel to mark the launching occasion, the governor said: “In fact, Saudi Airlines flight operation from this historic city would have multiple effects on the relationships amongst the people of both the countries.”

Referring to the ongoing reconstruction process in Afghanistan, he said the new development on travelling side would also prove a good omen in this context.

Besides, he said, not only a large number of citizens of the province were serving in Saudi Arabia but thousands of faithful perform Haj and Umra every year and the new arrangement would save their time and money.

Ali Al-Muallid country manager of the airlines, welcomed the guests.