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PIA passengers say 'happy new year' to India
Ehtasham Khan in New Delhi |
January 02, 2004 13:44 IST
After a gap of two years, a Pakistan International Airlines flight landed in Delhi on Thursday and elated passengers said 'happy new year' to India as they alighted.
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A battery of journalists, photographers and television crew rushed to the 42 passengers who arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at around 4 pm.India had snapped all travel links with Pakistan after militants attacked the Indian Parliament.
Yasmin Butt, a Pakistani settled in London, came to India after staying for about two months in Lahore. She has relatives in Srinagar but also wanted to visit Delhi.
"It's a welcome move [the resumption of flights] and I pray to Allah that it stays forever. I wish you all a happy new year," Butt said.
Almost all other passengers echoed Butt's view.
"Travel has become much easier. Last time I had to come via Dubai," said Butt.
Butt will travel to Srinagar along with her husband, Mukhtiar Ahmad, and nine-year-old son, Sohail.
US-based Shahin Suzwari, 50, has come to meet her friends and relatives spread all across Uttar Pradesh.
"It is good to know that both countries are moving towards peace. We in the US are always concerned about it," said Suzwari. "It would be wonderful if both Pakistan and India emerge as two great Asian giants. We will feel proud. It can happen only in peaceful environment."
A jovial Yusuf Iftekhar, 50, has come with his daughter, Ayesha, and 10-month-old granddaughter, Sidrah. This is Iftekhar's 14th visit to India. He has relatives in Bhopal and Bijnore.
Sidrah was the centre of attention as she laughed and giggled in her mother's lap.
Iftekhar said: "Visa restrictions should be eased and people should be allowed to stay for longer durations."
The Boeing 737 PIA aircraft, however, carried just 42 passengers. Many felt that more visas would probably fill the vacant seats in the future.
Acting Pakistani High Commissioner Munawar Bhatti, who was present to welcome the passengers, said he was happy with the resumption of air links.