AGP Executive Report

Flight Disruptions: More than 200 flights have been cancelled and 350 delayed amid Gulf security concerns, leaving passengers stranded and prompting protests over poor support at Lahore airport. Pakistan–Maldives Links: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu visits Pakistan from October 20, with direct flights among the proposals expected to advance tourism and civil aviation ties. Tourism Growth: Pakistan recorded 4.3 million tourist visits in two years, while Hunza community tourism has been proposed for a pilot project. Heritage Travel: Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens will stay open late, giving visitors more time to explore the UNESCO-listed sites.

Tourism Growth: Pakistan recorded 4.3 million tourist visits over two years, while Hunza Community Tourism has been proposed as a pilot project under MITL. Heritage Travel: Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens will stay open late, giving visitors more time at two major sites. Mountain Travel: Snowfall temporarily closed Babusar Highway in Diamer, and rain and snow disrupted travel in Gilgit-Baltistan. Air Travel: PIA plans to add lie-flat seats to its Boeing 777s, and Norse Dreamliners are expected to support UK flights from November. Travel Documents: Pakistan plans to stop issuing machine-readable passports within a month and switch to e-passports; existing passports remain valid until expiry.

Travel Documents: Pakistan plans to stop issuing machine-readable passports within a month and switch to e-passports; existing passports remain valid until expiry. Tourism Growth: The National Assembly was told 4.47 million international tourists visited Pakistan in 2024 and 2025, with visitors from the UK and US among the largest groups. Community Tourism: Hunza has been proposed as a pilot for community-focused tourism, with plans to assess local benefits and sustainability alongside visitor numbers. Air Connectivity: Officials reviewed aviation upgrades and expansion of international routes, citing tourism and economic growth as priorities. Sports Travel: England’s cricket team has arrived for the tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which begins on October 18. Heritage Visits: Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens are staying open late, giving visitors more time to explore.

Cricket Travel: England’s team has arrived in Islamabad for the Pakistan–England–Sri Lanka ODI tri-series, running October 18–31 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The final is set for Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Flight Disruptions: Riyadh airport is expected to remain closed through October 17, with thousands of Saudi flights cancelled. Travellers heading to Pakistan should check airline updates and explore options from other regional airports. Heritage Visits: Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens will stay open late, while arrangements are in place for Baba Guru Nanak’s 557th birth anniversary. Northern Routes: Babusar Highway was temporarily closed after snowfall in Diamer; check local updates before travelling.

Saudi Flight Disruptions: Houthi attacks have grounded or cancelled more than 4,000 Saudi departures since October 8, with Riyadh hardest hit and its airport closed until October 17. Pakistani travellers, including Umrah pilgrims, should confirm flights with airlines before heading to the airport. Passport Costs: Pakistan has switched to e-passports for new applications, nearly doubling the normal fee for a five-year, 36-page passport to Rs9,000; urgent processing now costs Rs15,000. Existing machine-readable passports remain valid until expiry. Pakistan–Thailand Tourism: Finance ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ekniti Nitithanprapas discussed promoting tourism and cultural ties alongside broader economic cooperation in Bangkok. Swat Heritage: A feature on Talang village, about 10 kilometres from Barikot, highlights its scenic setting and rock art, drawing attention to a lesser-known cultural stop in Swat.

Aviation: Air France has barred Pakistani pilots and cabin crew from Israel-bound flights under new Israeli nationality restrictions, while Houthi attacks have disrupted Saudi airport operations and Pakistan–Saudi flights. Pakistan–Maldives Links: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu visits Islamabad on Oct. 20–22, with a direct-flights agreement among the expected deals. Road Travel: Babusar Highway is temporarily closed after snowfall in Diamer. UK Flights: PIA and Norse Atlantic plan to use Norse Dreamliners for UK services from November.

Air Travel: Houthi attacks have disrupted Gulf flights, with cancellations reported on Lahore routes and Riyadh airport remaining closed until October 17. Check with airlines before travelling. Rail Safety: A deadly Rehman Baba Express derailment near Multan has prompted an inquiry, and train schedules were revised after the crash. Road Access: Snowfall has temporarily closed Babusar Highway in Diamer, affecting travel to the northern areas. New Connections: PIA and Norse Atlantic expect to launch UK flights using Boeing 787s in November. Pakistan and Oman also pledged closer cooperation on tourism and connectivity; a direct-flight agreement with the Maldives is expected to be discussed during President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit from October 20. Airport Help: The FIA has activated a helpline for travellers at Islamabad airport.

Saudi Flight Disruptions: Houthi attacks have thrown Gulf air travel into turmoil, with Riyadh airport closed until at least October 17 and airlines cancelling or suspending services. Pakistani travellers should confirm flights before heading to the airport. Northern Roads: Snowfall has temporarily closed the Babusar Highway in Diamer, disrupting access through the mountain route; check for reopening updates before travelling. Travel Links: Pakistan and Russia discussed simplifying visa procedures for tourists and business travellers as they agreed to deepen cooperation. November Break: Iqbal Day falls on Monday, November 9, giving many Pakistanis a three-day weekend and a chance to plan a short trip.

Rail Safety: Five passengers were killed and 30 injured when all 14 carriages of the Karachi–Peshawar Rehman Baba Express derailed near Multan. Rail traffic on the affected section is suspended while investigators examine the cause. Road Access: Snowfall has temporarily closed the Babusar Highway in Diamer, disrupting travel through the mountain route. Flight Disruptions: Saudi Arabia has extended Riyadh airport’s closure until October 17 amid attacks, while PIA has suspended Riyadh flights and several Lahore–Gulf services have been cancelled. Travellers should check with airlines before departure. Tourism Services: Pakistan plans to digitise tourism services under an agreement with the National Information Technology Board. UK Connections: PIA has leased two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic, with the aircraft expected to support UK routes from November.

Rail Travel: The Rehman Baba Express derailment near Multan killed at least six people and injured more than 30. Rail services were disrupted, with several trains delayed or rerouted as investigators examine the cause. Mountain Access: Heavy snowfall has closed the Babusar Highway in Diamer, affecting tourists and other travellers; check road updates before setting out. International Flights: Riyadh airport is closed until October 17 after deadly attacks, prompting airline cancellations across the region. Travellers from Pakistan should confirm flights directly with their airline. Tourism Events: Jhang is preparing to host its Desert Rally and Cultural Festival from October 16.

Saudi Travel Disruptions: Riyadh airport is closed until October 17 after deadly attacks, disrupting regional flights; PIA has suspended Riyadh services. Check with your airline before travelling. A Pakistani resident was among those killed in a fresh strike. Karachi Roads: The Natha Khan Link Road is expected to open soon, connecting Shahrah-e-Faisal with Gulistan-e-Jauhar and easing local traffic. Travel Support: The FIA has activated a helpline for passengers at Islamabad airport. Northern Access: A newly completed 66-kilometre road between Astore and Skardu reconnects villages and improves access through the region. Tourism Events: Jhang is preparing to host a Desert Rally and Cultural Festival from October 16.

Gulf Travel Disruptions: Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remains shut after deadly Houthi strikes, with the closure expected to last until at least Oct. 17. Attacks killed a Pakistani resident and injured 11 in the latest strike; airlines have cancelled or rerouted services. The UK advises against using Saudi airports except Medina. Check with airlines before travelling, especially for Umrah. Airport Updates: The FIA has activated a helpline for travellers at Islamabad airport and says passengers can no longer be offloaded on verbal orders alone. New smart baggage scanners are also planned for Pakistan’s international airports to reduce manual checks and delays. Tourism Calendar: Jhang’s Desert Rally and Cultural Festival is set to begin Oct. 16, offering a fresh draw for visitors.

Saudi Flight Disruptions: A fresh strike at Riyadh airport killed a Pakistani resident and injured 11, after an earlier attack killed 12 and wounded more than 300. Airport closures and cancellations have disrupted travel; PIA has suspended Riyadh flights, so passengers should check with their airline before departure. Weather Watch: Rain, thunderstorms and possible hail across parts of Punjab, Islamabad, KP, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan could affect road journeys. Sindh Tourism: In China, Sindh’s chief minister discussed tourism cooperation and investment in the province’s destinations, including its lakes, deserts and historic sites. Northern Travel: A new 66-kilometre road track between Astore and Skardu has reconnected villages, improving access in the mountain region. Winter Outdoors: Camping shops are increasing stocks of tents and weather-resistant gear as demand rises ahead of the winter season.

Regional Flight Disruption: Riyadh’s airport remained closed after deadly attacks, disrupting Gulf travel. PIA suspended Riyadh services and Pakistan cancelled 42 flights; the Civil Aviation Authority says other Saudi operations continue. Passengers should confirm flights with airlines before travelling. PIA Expansion: PIA and Norse Atlantic signed a deal for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, expected to join the fleet in November for UK routes. Airport Upgrades: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered international-standard baggage screening and smart scanners at Pakistani airports. Travel Weather: Punjab’s disaster authority warned of rain and thunderstorms through October 14, with possible disruption to road journeys. Northern Tourism: The 3rd Chitral Expo opened, showcasing the region’s attractions and local enterprise.

Umrah Travel: Pakistan has resumed mandatory vaccination for Umrah pilgrims after a temporary exemption expired. Pilgrims must meet polio and meningitis requirements and carry verified certificates. Flight Disruptions: Houthi strikes on Riyadh airport have prompted PIA and other airlines to suspend or cancel services; passengers should check with airlines before travelling. Chitral Tourism: The two-day Chitral Expo opened with 70 stalls showcasing local crafts, food and products, while organisers highlighted the region’s tourism potential. Airport Services: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered smart baggage scanners at international airports to speed up checks and improve the passenger experience. UK Routes: PIA and Norse Atlantic plan to start services using two leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in early November, connecting Pakistani and UK cities.

Airport Experience: PM Shehbaz has ordered smart baggage scanners at all international airports, aiming to speed up checks and reduce unnecessary questioning. Flight Disruptions: Gulf tensions have delayed and cancelled flights, with passenger help desks set up at Lahore Airport; PIA has also suspended Riyadh services. Travellers should check with airlines before departure. More UK Capacity: PIA plans to add two leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in November for UK routes, boosting capacity and direct travel options. Travel Conditions: Rain, thunderstorms and possible hail are forecast in Islamabad and parts of Punjab through October 14, so allow extra time on the roads. Tourism & Access: Pakistan is moving to digitise tourism services, while a completed 66-kilometre Astore-Skardu road reconnects villages and improves access in the north. KP officials are also promoting heritage and floral festivals to draw visitors.