Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday welcomed the announcement of the new private carrier, describing the move as a meaningful step toward strengthening links between Pakistan’s smaller cities and remote regions. He said the South Air launch addresses a long-standing need for better access to services, education and markets in South Punjab and other underserved areas.
Speaking at the Karachi announcement event held in Multan, Mr Gilani praised the airline’s leadership for taking on a challenging project and said he will continue to support initiatives that promote development in small towns and backward districts. He called the airline’s inaugural operations a concrete measure to bring neglected regions into the mainstream of national progress.
Mr Gilani singled out the Multan start as particularly symbolic, noting the city’s civic spirit and potential to drive growth across southern Punjab. He expressed confidence that the South Air launch will gradually expand routes beyond the initial Karachi–Multan service, improving business travel, healthcare access and educational opportunities for the region.
Executives behind the venture received special mention: Executive Director Kunwar Tariq was lauded for his vision and leadership, while CEO Nashat Fatima was celebrated as the first woman to lead the carrier — a milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector. Retired Air Vice Marshal Ejaz Mahmood Malik, serving as chief operating officer, was credited for bringing operational experience that lends credibility to the project.
Mr Gilani also acknowledged the role of SOS Group staff and other stakeholders who contributed to the airline’s launch. He said the initiative will help knit the country more closely together, supporting local commerce and improving mobility for ordinary citizens across provinces such as Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as South Punjab.
The chairman assured residents of Multan and the wider region of his ongoing commitment to their progress, urging collective effort to convert improved connectivity into jobs and opportunities. He offered prayers for the safety and success of South Air’s operations and called on the public and private sectors to work together for Pakistan’s stability and development.
The Karachi-to-Multan inaugural flight is expected to commence soon. Dignitaries at the announcement included Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Rana Qasim Noon, former senator Sana Jamali, former provincial assembly member Syed Ahmad Mujtaba Gilani, MNA Amir Dogar, actor Faryal Gohar, Kunwar Shahid, and Bakhtewar Tanveer Sheikh among others who attended to show support for the new regional link.
