The bilateral flights agreement between Pakistan and Kazakhstan expired in 1993 and no airline directly operates between the two countries. As per documents, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would have the authority to operate direct flights under the Single Airline Agreement while Kazakhstan Aviation Committee, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had requested permission for SCAT Airlines. The air route was approved after a thorough assessment by intelligence agencies and the CAA. The CAA is expected to contact the government in Afghanistan for the new air route. The government of Tajikistan had asked Pakistan for a new air route to reduce the flight distance between the two countries.

Source: The Express Tribune December 23, 2021 18:46 UTC