FM calls for review of ban.

ISLAMABAD -- Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi Wednesday telephoned European Unions foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and while conveying concern on temporary suspension of PIA flights into Europe by the EASA, stressed the need for review of the decision.

During a telephonic conversation with EUs High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the foreign minister underlined that the steps being taken by the government were to ensure highest level of flight safety in PIA operations.

He said the PIA remained committed to maintaining highest standards and quality in its air operations and stressed the need for review of the EASA decision.

The foreign minister offered condolences on the loss of precious lives in Europe due to COVID-19 and acknowledged the efforts of the European Commission to come up with a coordinated strategy to deal with the pandemic.

He delineated the steps taken by the government of Pakistan to save lives, secure livelihoods, and stimulate the economy and thanked the European Union for its support to Pakistan in its endeavors to tackle COVID-19.

Foreign Minister Qureshi conveyed the desire to expand cooperation between Pakistan and the EU, post COVID-19, and expressed the hope that Pakistani nationals would not be subjected to any restriction or discrimination as and when travel restrictions were relaxed by the European Union.

The foreign minister and high representative exchanged views on a range of subjects related to Pakistan-EU partnership-including trade, next phase of GSP Plus, and early operationalization of Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP).

The foreign minister suggested that the two sides might also engage in a structured dialogue on migration-related matters, while providing...