Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar  (AVM Farooq Umar Collection)

On December 22, 1993, for the first time in Pakistan's history, PIA began operations to Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and the picturesque Parachinar, capital of Kurram Agency, had the privilege to receive the first scheduled DHC-6 Twin Otter flight PK-438 from Peshawar. This photo shows Managing Director PIA Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar with senior officials of the airline on arrival at Parachinar Airport when PIA's first scheduled service for Kurram Agency landed there on December 22, 1993. A traditional welcome was accorded to inaugural flight passengers by tribal elders and they were also entertained to a performance of Khattak dance by the Jawans of Frontier Corps. The 50-minute flight from Peshawar to Parachinar was an interesting experience of a delightful journey to the foot-hills of Koh-e-Sufaid against the backdrop of the famous Hindu Kush mountain range. The Peshawar to Parachinar was twice a week service operated Mondays and Fridays. The air fare was Pak Rupees 345 from Parachinar to Peshawar and Pak Rupees 645 for Islamabad. The 18-seat Twin Otter on PIA's inaugural flight to Parachinar was flown by Capt. Anwar and Capt. Moin

Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar  (AVM Farooq Umar Collection)

Managing Director PIA Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar seen in group photo with Consul General of Japan Hiromi Sikai and the participants of the 8th PIA-Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) international course in Civil Air Transport at PIA Training Centre in Karachi on October 9, 1994. In photo's background we can see aircraft cabin mock-up used at PIA Training Centre for cabin crew training

Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar  (AVM Farooq Umar Collection)

Managing Director PIA Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar cutting ribbon to inaugurate new PIA sales office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on April 2, 1994

Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar  (AVM Farooq Umar Collection)

Managing Director PIA Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar seen with Pakistan's Ambassador to United Arab Emirates Mansoor Alam and PIA's General Sales Agent Harrib bin Sultan, other PIA officials and guests at PIA's new sales office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, inaugurated on April 2, 1994