(Lahore) In a momentous partnership, SCAT Airlines, a Kazakhstan-based air carrier known for its
European safety standards and a fleet of over 35 aircraft, and Hashoo Group, Pakistan’s largest
hospitality conglomerate, renowned for its iconic hotels and resorts including Pearl-Continental
Hotels, PC Legacy, and Hotel One, have joined forces to facilitate direct flight operations
between Lahore and Almaty with two weekly frequencies.
In this regard, Hashoo Group hosted an interactive and informative conference at Pearl-
Continental Hotel Lahore. Present at the event were His Excellency, Mr. Yarzhan Kistafin,
Ambassador of Kazakhstan, His Excellency, Mr. Noman Bashir Bhatti, Ambassador of Pakistan
(via Zoom from Kazakhstan), Mr. Haseeb Gardezi, COO, Hospitality and Education Division,
Hashoo Group, Mr. Rizwan Qaiser, CEO, Nexus Global (SCAT Airlines Pakistan’s JV Partner), and
representatives from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and Kazakh
Tourism.
At the press conference, Mr. Haseeb Gardezi said, “The primary goal of this groundbreaking air
connectivity initiative was the promotion of tourism, cultural exchange, and business synergies
between the two nations.” He further added, “This event has not only showcased tourism
products from Pakistan and Kazakhstan. The interactions between reputable tour operators
from Kazakhstan and potential travel business partners in Pakistan have facilitated discussions
on ways to amplify collaboration between the two nations.”
Mr. Rizwan Qaiser expressed his gratitude to Hashoo Group for their partnership, foreseeing a
fruitful journey towards mutual success and a vibrant role in advancing tourism and hospitality
ventures between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. He also emphasized that despite abundant cultural
and religious affinities and immense trade and investment potential, the business and tourism
exchange between the two countries had remained disappointingly low due to a lack of
connectivity, insufficient awareness, and limited communication among business entities. He
highlighted the substantial reduction in travel time from 15-20 hours to 2.30 hours, thanks to
collaborative efforts, support from diplomatic channels, and the business community.
This conference marked a significant milestone in fortifying the ties between Pakistan and
Kazakhstan, opening new vistas for tourism and business opportunities. Additionally, it aimed
to enlighten corporate guests about both countries’ attractions and essential information,
ultimately bringing the nations closer through tourism.
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