The Pakistan International Airline (PIA) special cargo flight has left for Jeddah carrying 42 tons of cargo comprising fruits, vegetables and halal meat in order to boost exports, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday, quoting its sources.

PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez said that Pakistan exports fruits, vegetables and meat to Saudi Arabia and the delivery of these products would be necessary in time. PIA CEO Arshad Malik took the decision to operate cargo flights to Saudi Arabia to boost exports and cargo fares have been kept very attractive and reasonable. 

The PIA had already started cargo flights to China, the TV channel reported.

It is pertinent to note that Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation in a circular issued to all airlines operating in the Kingdom temporarily suspended international flights for one week. After receiving the circular, the PIA immediately suspended its flights to the kingdom.