KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines on Monday resumed its normal flights operation from Jinnah International Airport here at 1600 hours, said an airline spokesman.

The spokesman, in a statement, said that during the night of June 8, ten terrorists attacked the airport by entering through Fokker and International Cargo Gate. Timely action of Pakistan Army, Rangers, ASF, Police and CAA personnel ensured that the damage was kept to minimum.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation Shujaat Azeem personally supervised the resumption of flight operation as the airport airport was declared clear in the Monday afternoon.

Shujaat visited all areas of Karachi airport along with DG CAA Air Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Yousaf and DG ASF Brigadier Muhammad Azam Tiwana.

According to Shujaat Azeem, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had commended the bravery of security forces for containing the terrorist attack. He also lauded the martyrs, who lost their lives due to the terrorist attack.

Besides others, four employees of PIA Engineering Department lost their lives and four others were injured.

In a condolence message, Shujaat Azeem expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the killing of PIA engineers.

"The entire PIA family is deeply saddened on the loss of four employees of PIA Engineering, namely Fakhr Laghari, S.M Ilyas, Tanveer A Khan and Fazal Zuberi. May Allah grant them eternal peace and strength to their families."

Shujaat also prayed for the speedy recovery of all injured.

He said the airline was grateful to the passengers present at the airport for patience and discipline, which helped in the success of  operation.

Around 20 PIA flights were disturbed due to the heinous terrorist attack. One domestic flight was diverted to Nawabshah while three coming from abroad were diverted to Lahore. The passengers of the diverted flights were well looked after at alternate airports i.e. Nawabshah and Lahore, the spokesman said.

Security at all airports in the country has been beefed up to the highest level.

(APP)