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MIRPUR, Nov 20 (APP): Sialkot International Airport (SIAL) hosted a high-profile “Road-Show” in Mirpur on Wednesday night, seeking to deepen ties with the Kashmiri diaspora and Pakistani expatriates, especially those in the United Kingdom and the Middle East. The event, held under the banner of Air Sial, showcased the airport’s latest facilities, expanding routes and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, with the goal of offering smoother, more comfortable travel for passengers from the Mirpur division.
Chairman of SIAL, Hassan Ali Bhatti, emphasized that Mirpur is not merely a point on the map but an emerging economic hub. He said the airport’s philosophy has always been rooted in public service, and the gathering was a step toward making Mirpur and Sialkot true partners in development. Bhatti noted that over one million passengers use Sialkot Airport annually, crediting travel agents and partners for their relentless support.
Vice Chairman Waqas Afzal highlighted the airport’s role in easing travel difficulties across the region, while former Chairman Mian Naeem Javed expressed gratitude to Mirpur’s residents for consistently choosing Sialkot Airport. President of the Mirpur Chamber of Commerce, Omar Jaral, praised the vision of Sialkot’s business community, noting that SIAL’s 18-year history sets a model unmatched elsewhere in Pakistan. CEO Tanveer Ashraf Bhatti outlined plans for a new terminal, a five-star hotel, a second runway and the addition of two more international carriers this year.
Senior Kashmiri journalist Altaf Hameed Nizami called for a shuttle service of modern buses to transport thousands of passengers between Mirpur and Sialkot Airport, as well as additional amenities tailored for Mirpur-origin travelers. Other speakers, including President of the Kashmir Press Club Syed Abid Hussain Shah and local business leaders, echoed the call for greater collaboration and bespoke services to boost regional connectivity.
The road-show attracted a broad cross-section of Mirpur’s business community, chamber representatives and civic leaders, all underscoring the airport’s ambition to become a gateway not only for the local population but also for the wider Kashmiri diaspora seeking convenient links to the UK, the Middle East and beyond. The consensus was that strengthened air links will translate into tangible economic benefits for both Mirpur and Sialkot.