Pakistan International Airline (PIA) Sunday started regular flights to Najaf, a city of Iraq and its first plane reached there with 91 passengers.

According to the 24News HD TV channel, PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik with Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lufta also reached Najaf on the flight PK-219.

To celebrate starting flights to Iraq, a simple ceremony was held at Karachi Airport in which PIA officials, Iraqi diplomates, religious scholars and passengers participated and cut the cake together.

Najaf governor, Pakistani ambassador, head of Iraqi civil aviation and religious leaders receive the first flight passengers at the airport.

The PIA CEO in a message said Iraq was an important destination for Pakistani Muslims and sacred to all followers of Islam.

Najaf governor said that they would not spare any effort in serving Pakistani visitors and the airline and they would also make the visa system easier for the passengers.

Pakistani Ambassador Ahmad Amjad Ali said PIA's scheduled flights would further strengthen ties between the two countries.

After the reception at Najaf airport, the Pakistani officials’ delegation and passengers visited the Kufa Mosque and the shrine of Hazrat Ali (RA).

Later, the PIA officials’ delegation returned to hometown by the same flight.

Reporter: Usman Javed