MULTAN: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that the true foundation of Pakistan rests in its small cities and underdeveloped regions, pledging to continue playing his role in advancing the development of southern Punjab and other underserved areas across the country.
Speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony announcing the launch of a new private airline, South Air, Gilani said the initiative was more than the start of an air service. He described it as a meaningful step towards improved regional connectivity, economic inclusion, and better travel facilities in Pakistan. He thanked the airline’s leadership for inviting him to the event and acknowledged their vision in making the project a reality.
Gilani said that connecting remote and smaller cities has long been a national need, and expressed satisfaction that South Air will help bridge that gap. Drawing on his experience as parliamentarian, Speaker of the National Assembly, Prime Minister, and now Chairman Senate, he noted that the true strength of the country lies in its small and rural districts. He said regions like southern Punjab, interior Sindh, Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — long deprived of development — are being brought into the national mainstream through such initiatives.
Highlighting Multan’s cultural and social significance, Gilani described the city as a center of heritage, love, and service. He said the launch of South Air from Multan reflects confidence that the region is ready to move forward and has the capacity to chart its own development path.
He praised SOS Group Executive Director Kunwar Tariq for leading a challenging project with vision, and commended South Air CEO Nishat Fatima, calling her appointment a historic moment as the first woman to lead a Pakistani airline. He said her leadership and professional skills form a strong foundation for the company. He also acknowledged Chief Operating Officer, retired Air Vice Marshal Ijaz Mahmood Malik, for providing strategic direction through his extensive aviation experience, and appreciated the efforts of SOS Group employees in making the project possible.
Gilani expressed optimism that South Air’s inaugural flight from Karachi to Multan will soon take off, gradually expanding connections to other parts of the country and improving domestic travel, economic activity, and public convenience. He assured the people of Multan and southern Punjab that his efforts for their development, prosperity, and wellbeing will continue. He prayed for the success and safety of South Air and called for collective work to strengthen Pakistan.
The event was attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Rana Qasim Noon, former Senator Sana Jamali, former MPA Syed Ahmad Mujtaba Gilani, MNA Aamir Dogar, renowned actress Feryal Gohar, SOS Group Executive Director Kunwar Tariq, Kunwar Shahid, South Air CEO Nishat Fatima, COO (R) AVM Ijaz Mahmood Malik, Multan Chamber of Commerce President Bakhtawar Tanveer Sheikh, along with political, social, and business dignitaries.