AGP Executive Report

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.

Flight Disruptions: PIA temporarily suspended Riyadh flights amid regional security concerns, while 42 flights were cancelled and 68 delayed across Pakistan, disrupting travel, including for Umrah pilgrims. Passengers should check schedules before heading to the airport. Air Connectivity: PIA signed a deal to bring in two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic in November, adding capacity for Pakistan–UK routes. Pilgrimage Travel: Pakistan plans to expand Guru Ram Das Ji’s birthplace in Lahore, adding space and facilities for Sikh visitors. Tourism Development: Balochistan’s cabinet approved draft tourism and cultural policies to promote its natural and heritage sites. A new 66-kilometre Astore–Skardu road track also reconnects villages, improving access in the north. Travel Readiness: Rain and thunderstorms are forecast across much of Punjab through October 14, with landslide risks in Murree and Galiyat. Tourism Links: A Pakistan-Romania delegation discussed a possible Karachi–Constanta partnership, including cooperation in tourism and transport.

Flight Disruptions: PIA has suspended Islamabad–Riyadh flights amid security concerns after attacks on Saudi airports; other Saudi routes continue. Pakistan’s airports reported 42 cancellations and 68 delays, disrupting travel for thousands, including Umrah pilgrims. UK Connectivity: PIA has partnered with Norse Atlantic to lease two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with UK–Pakistan flights expected to begin in November. Tourism Development: Pakistan plans to digitise tourism services under an agreement with the National Information Technology Board. A 66-kilometre road linking Astore and Skardu has also been completed, reconnecting villages and improving access across the northern region. Hospitality Skills: Tourism and hotel management graduates in Rawalpindi were urged to help showcase Pakistan’s culture and hospitality to international visitors.

Regional Flight Disruptions: Houthi attacks on Riyadh have triggered widespread cancellations and suspensions by international airlines. Travellers heading to the Saudi capital should confirm flights directly with carriers before going to the airport. Mountain Access: A new 66-kilometre road track links Astore and Skardu, reconnecting eight villages and cutting the journey to a few hours. Officials expect it to support local trade and transport, but have not confirmed year-round access. Cultural Tourism: Karachi’s World Culture Festival runs October 29 to November 22, with artists from around 150 countries and most programmes free. Tourism Investment and Skills: Pakistan is seeking foreign investment in the proposed Guru Nanak Expressway and studying a Mansehra–Naran road upgrade to improve tourist access. Tourism leaders also say trained hospitality graduates can help strengthen the sector and present Pakistan to international visitors.

Air Travel: UAE disruptions on Thursday included the cancellation of Emirates flight EK606 to Karachi; check with airlines before heading to the airport. Roads: Islamabad traffic police warned of diversions during foreign delegations’ movements and advised motorists to allow an extra 20 to 25 minutes. Railways: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered faster work on the ML-1 upgrade and corporate-style reforms, saying the project should improve passenger services and use railway land to help finance development. Tourism Ties: Pakistan and Bahrain agreed to expand cooperation, including in tourism, and aim to double bilateral trade within three years. City Escapes: Plans for Islamabad’s F-9 Park include a Hyde Park-style makeover, a large safari park and another park.

Flight Disruptions: Flights from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE faced delays and cancellations amid regional tensions. The FIA has also moved its pre-departure facilitation desk to Islamabad Airport. Cultural Tourism: Karachi’s World Culture Festival runs from October 29 to November 22, with artists expected from around 150 countries. Sindh’s culture and tourism minister says foreign visits to the province’s attractions have risen by about 50% in three years. Rail Travel: The prime minister has ordered faster work on the ML-1 upgrade, aimed at improving passenger services and boosting rail freight. Outdoor Travel: Islamabad’s hiking trails are seeing more monkey encounters, while rare brown bears face growing threats in Deosai—reminders for visitors to take care around wildlife.

Flight Disruptions: Gulf tensions have delayed or cancelled flights from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, with Lahore among the hardest-hit airports. Check directly with your airline before travelling. Airport Scam Alert: The FIA has warned that a fake online “pre-departure clearance” service is targeting Islamabad passengers. Immigration clearance happens at the airport; the agency says the advertised service is fraudulent. Rail Travel: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered faster work on the 1,733-kilometre ML-1 upgrade, saying railway land could help finance the project and improve passenger facilities. Mountain Tourism: A study finds tourism, littering and airborne pollution are contributing to microplastics across the Hindu Kush Himalaya, threatening ecosystems and water sources.

Political Talks & Protests: PM Shehbaz Sharif urged PTI to end its long march and sit-ins before dialogue, warning agitation could hit exports and Pakistan’s international standing. Railways Housing Crackdown: A Senate panel flagged illegal occupation of 34,763 Pakistan Railways quarters and ordered FIRs and evictions. Middle East Shock on Travel: The World Bank said the MENAAP region’s output may shrink 2.1% in 2026 as the Hormuz crisis hits tourism, aviation and logistics. Pakistan-Qatar Fashion Trade: Pakistan’s textile and fashion ties got a boost as the 8th Festive Exhibition opened in Doha, bringing Pakistani designers to Qatari buyers. Lahore Tourism Upgrade: Lahore Museum restoration costs jumped 50% to Rs6.59bn, with UNESCO consultation required and a June 2030 completion target. Carpet Exports Push: TDAP backed handmade carpet exporters, urging marketing support, modern designs and easier travel for foreign buyers. Fuel Subsidies for Mobility: Pakistan rolled out fuel subsidies for over 9 million low-income motorists to ease transport costs amid rising prices. Missing “Dunki” Youths: Islamabad High Court sought government response over petitions about youths missing after irregular migration routes.

Travel & Tourism (Pakistan): Air Arabia will resume daily nonstop flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Kozhikode from Oct 16, adding direct connectivity to Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar in its wider network. Local Transport Safety: A new focus on women’s safety and harassment in Pakistan’s local transport highlights how abuse can happen at bus stops, during boarding, inside vehicles and on the walk home—pushing for stronger protection and audits. Sports Tourism & Events: PCB has been forced to sell broadcast rights for 25 home matches at about half the reserve price, with Pakistan’s upcoming Sri Lanka T20Is and ODI series likely to draw more match-day travel. Cross-border Religious Travel: Pakistan clears Sikh pilgrims for an India visit after an airport halt; a 49-member jatha will travel via Tashkent and visit major gurdwaras in New Delhi and beyond. Regional Context: World Bank warns Middle East tourism and aviation/logistics face pressure from the Iran-linked Hormuz shock, with growth forecasts cut for 2026.

Smog & School Commuting: Punjab’s Environment Department has urged schools in Lahore to cut emissions by promoting carpooling for students, parents and staff, especially during peak morning traffic. Weather Watch: PDMA Punjab issued a province-wide rainfall alert for Oct 6–7, warning of possible landslides in Murree/Galyat and advising people to avoid unnecessary travel and take lightning safety precautions. Religious Tourism Boost: Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said over 50 historic Gurdwaras closed since 1947 are being restored and reopened, with plans to improve pilgrim facilities and visas. Air Travel Costs: Jet fuel in Pakistan rose by Rs9.05 per litre in three days to Rs355.52, which could push up airfares. Housing Recognition: CM Maryam Nawaz received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour in Oman for Punjab’s “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing initiative, with 200,000+ homes delivered so far. Road Disruption (Islamabad): Islamabad Traffic Police announced a diversion plan for Kashmir Chowk construction on Club Road, with alternate routes for key directions. Regional Security (Travel Impact): Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey agreed to rapid deployment under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement amid Yemen escalation.