The media announced on Saturday that over 50 employees of Pakistan International Airlines, including pilots and cabin crew were sacked, for carrying forged degrees.
According to Geo news, stated in India Today, three pilots and 50 cabin crew were fired.
A statement by the country’s national carrier, commented that the staff were sacked in a forged degrees case, on the command of Supreme Court.
In January this year Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, took notice of the supposed position of pilots carrying counterfeit qualifications.
The Chief Justice leader of a two-member tribunal had issued a time limit of December 28 to the Civil Aviation Authority, for finishing the authentication of the degrees of pilots.
The aircraft Airbus A330-200 is flying the route currently, however, it shall be replaced with the two class aircraft.
The airline’s next generation business and economy cabins, comprising of 229 seats, will highlight the new Airbus 787-9 Dreamliner service to Hong Kong.
This comprises an expansion of 6business class seats, 31 economy class seats and raised capacity of fourtonnes in the belly-hold freight.
The modern inflight entertainment network presents over 750 hours of movies and programmes, in the new Boeing 787 fleet. The Dreamliner also has an option of games for both adults and children, aswell as hundreds of music selections.
Days after reports of drone sightings and closure of GatwickAirportrunways, causing disturbance to thousands of passengers, has been sold to France’sVinci for £2.9 billion.
Under the conditions of agreement, the GlobalInfrastructerPartners (GIP), a consortium regulated by USinvestmentfund will sell a share of 50.01% to VinciAirports.
Gatwick the UK’s second largest airport struck an agreement, with Vinci who manages beyond 40 airports globally over America, Europe and Asia.
The Sussex airport was enormously interrupted in the run-up to christmas, after news of dronespotting created chaos for christmastravellers.
Last week after the drones were sighted inside the airport perimeter, about 1,000 Gatwick flights were discontinued or transfered across three days.
The pre-Christmas travel arrangements of many thousands of people, were destroyed by the emergency.
Although, there were subsequent implications that the drones at Gatwick may never have existed, the Evening Standard states, “although police later played them down, saying they were down to “poor communications”. (Standard.co.uk)
The GIP partner, MichaelMcghee, stated:
“We expect the transaction to be completed by the middle of next year, with the senior leadership team remaining in place.
“There focus, along with everyone at Gatwick, obviously remains on doing their very best for customers over the busy holiday period after the challenges of recent days”. (Quote, from standard.co.uk)
In 2009, Gatwick was obtained for £1.5 billion by the GIP consortium.
Sir David Higgins the chairman, Stewart Wingate the chief exec and Nick Dunn the finance chief, will remain in their positions, along with the senior management team at Gatwick subsequent to the contract.
The GIP shall persist to administer the outstanding 49.99% interest in Gatwick, after the closure of the transaction in the second quarter.
President of Vinci Airports, NicolasNotebaert, said:
“As Gatwick’s new industrial partner, Vinci Airports will support and encourage growth of traffic, operational efficiency and leverage its international expertise in the development of commercial activities to further improve passenger satisfaction and experience”. (Quote from standard.co.uk)
IslamabadInternationalAirport is the leading international airport providing service to the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area and suburbs. After Sialkot International Airport, Islamabad International Airport is Pakistan’s second greenfield airport, and is built 20 km outside the double cities closest to Kashmir Highway and Motorway Interchange.
The airport initiated complete functions on May 3rd 2018, substituting the obsolete Benazir Bhutto International Airport that currently constitutes part of the PAF Base Nur Khan. In terms of passenger capacity, ability of serving 15 million passengers a year in its initial stage, Islamabad International Airport is the biggest airport in Pakistan. The additional organised extentions will permit benefit to 25 million passengers yearly. The terminal comprises of 15 gates with 10 remote gates, duty-free shops, food court, a four-star hotel, and 42 immigration counters.
RazPhotos
Furthermore, a third runway at the airport to be built, as, 2,833 acres (11.46 sq km / 4.42 sq mi) of land being obtained by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.
IslamabadInternationalAirport is the initial and only airport in Pakistan competent of managing the Airbus A380, and is assumed to become a significant hub benefiting Northern Pakistan.
The travel and tourismindustry heavily shows importance to business tourism. Business’s like budgethotelchains depend enormously on the revenue that is produced from business travels.
The definition of businesstourism according to the ICCA is quoted as:
“Business tourism is the provision of facilities and services to the millions of delegates who annually attend meetings, congresses, exhibitions, business events, incentive travel and corporate hospitality”.
However, it is stated that not one frequently used definition exists in the meetings industry, as there are numerous terms. http://www.iccaworld.org
According to (Unit-1 An introduction to Travel and Tourism), businesstourism is not just related to business. People may desire to take the chance to visit important attractions, in the city or location of their business trip, and make time for leisure tourism into their visit.
According to London (Reuters), police arrested a man and a woman after scoundrel drone operators sabotaged London’s Gatwick Airport for three days, constantly flying onto the airfield causing significant security reaction.
Approaching christmas the second biggest airport (Gatwick) was compelled to shut down the runway, has returned to its services on Saturday.
Late on Friday, a man aged 47 and a woman aged 54, from the neighbouring area were arrested by the police. On suspicion of causing disturbance to civil aviation operations, they stayed in custody on Saturday.
A recovery from the huge problems of Icelandicsvolcanicashcloud in 2010, is still ongoing, and warned passengers are expected to face delays and cancellations.
In a statement, Superintendent JamesCollis requested the public, passengers and extensive community to be observant surrounding Gatwick. He quoted:
“Our investigations are still on-going, and our activities at the airport continue to build resilience to detect and mitigate further incursions from drones, by deploying a range of tactics”.
The travel disturbance before christmas started on Wednesday evening forcing Gatwick to cancel all flights, after noticing little drones around the airfield. The drones came back every time the airport attempted to reopen the runway, on Thursday.
The Army positioned unknown military technology to protect the area, reassuring the airport that it was safe to fly. The authorities conclusively regained power over the airfield.
The airport stated, safety is Gatwick’s highest priority, and are working towards getting the passengers to their ultimate destinations on time for christmas. Gatwick is thankful to passengers for there ongoing patience.
Many travelers slept on the airport floor in order to find alternative ways to christmas family gatherings and holidays. The drones created distress to the passengers.
The financial impact it will have on the largest airlines operating at Gatwick (easyJet, British Airways and Norwegian), is too soon to determine.
Airports across the globe are suffering with the dangers of unmanned aerial vehicles. Between the years 2015 and 2017, Britain encountered triple the number of nearby misses between drones and aircrafts, with a record of 92 incidents last year.
According to bbc.co.uk yet another incident of “suspected drone sighting” has suspended flights at Gatwick Airport. It’s been stated by a spokesperson at Gatwick, that an investigation is undergoing after perceiving a report of “suspected drone sighting”.
The flights have been suspended, until investigation takes place. Information about the “suspected scoundrel drone” is being received. Aircraft are unable to land and are currently rotating above the airport.
It is stated the sighting of the drone reportedly happened around 17.10 GMT. The Sussex police said it’s officers were investigating, however, the Ministry of Defence has not yet confirmed the sighting of the drone.
Previously Gatwick Airport was closed for a day or two, as a result of drones flying over the airfield. It occured on Wednesday around 21.30, and just earlier it reopened.
It is believed multiple culprits are being investigated, and more than one unmanned aircraft is involved, stated the police.
Earlier on, according to the officers, “people of interest” have been identified.
Stated in the daily mail today (20th December 2018) that serious delays at heathrow airport were encountered by thousands of passengers, following an IT system collapse.
The failed computer system occured in terminal 5 of heathrow airport, leaving passengers facing delays in checking in.
The check-in system Amadeus was collapsed for 20 minutes, which is used by many airlines, including British Airways.
A statement by BA verified no flights had been delayed and the computer system was back, completely functioning.
Furthermore, no flights were to be delayed or diverted as a consequence of the glitch, a BA spokesperson said.
A third party supplier was affected by the technical problem, confirmed a heathrow spokesperson.
Baggage and check-in was disturbed on a short term basis, which had been recovered, was a global matter. The heathrow spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience or delay caused by this.
More than 10 years ago British Airways stopped services to Pakistan, after a serious hotel bombing. From next year BA shall resume the services, and will be the initial Western airline to serve this country.
After the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad (capital of Pakistan) was bombed in 2008, which killed more than 50 people, British Airways put a halt on its services to Pakistan.
The new Islamabad International Airport which opened in May of this year, has alleviated issues regarding both security and obstruction.
It has been stated by the British High Commissioner of Pakistan, Thomas Drew, that indication of significant betterment in security, motivated BA‘s come back.
Robert Williams of BA, stated it would be thrilling flying between Islamabad and Heathrow from next year, and convinced the service to be popular with the British Pakistani Community, who desire to visit or be visited by members of family.
In the United Kingdom there are over a million Pakistani origin people residing.
The airline group IAG owner of BA, intends to manage three flights a week commencing from 2 June 2019.
Pakistan International Airlines is the only airline of Pakistan that flies direct from Pakistan to Britain.
Prepared Chicken Mince Lasagne ready to go into the oven.
Wondering why you’ve come across food on a travel blog? Well cooking is part of my daily chores, travelling is a passion and education is a learning method. Sometimes, on a day off from the usual job or studies, cooking something special for the family is a fun idea. As I love cooking a few speciality dishes here and there, its a pleasure to share on my blog.
My family loves chicken mince lasagne served with chips and salad. A tangy and spicy sauce made to its perfection (dolmios) mixed in the cooked mince, and dazzled with cheese. Ready to get further cooked in the oven, until golden brown. With a choice of chips and salad as a side, enjoy the mouthwatering scrumptious meal of the day.
Serving with chips and salad.
History of Lasagna or Lasagne
Many articles and sources on the internet proclaim its origination can be discovered long back in Ancient Greece. It states that the names Lasagna or “Lasagne” is obtained from the Greek word “Laganon”, the initial type of pasta. Italy, of course asserts they were the first. (viaverdimiami.com)
Please comment below if you want a receipe of my Chicken Mince Lasagne.
TheMuslim state, in 1947 BadshahiMosque or “Imperial Mosque” is located in Lahore, Pakistan. It’s a Mughal era masjid in capital of the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The masjid is located beside the outskirts of the Walled City of Lahore, west of Lahore Fort and is extensively contemplated as one of Lahore’s most iconic monuments. (Wikipedia)
Emperor Aurangzeb commissioned the Badshahi Mosque in 1671, with the construction of the masjid persisting for two years till 1673. The mosque is a significant exemplar of Mughal architecture, with the outer adorned with carved red sandstone with marble inlay. It remains the largest and most up to date of the magnificent imperial mosques of the Mughal-era, and the second biggest mosque in Pakistan. The Sikh Empire and the British Empire used the mosque as a garrison, after the Mughal Empire dropped. (Wikipedia) Although the mosque appears like an excellent religious construction, its past has seen additional use as a military foundation. (Atlas Obscura) The mosque was controlled by Sikhs at circle of the century, and used it as stable for horses and other military components. During the SikhCivilWar groups of refuges were bombarded near the Lahore Fort. The mosque was in a poor condition as it continued being used a military storage, right through the British rule. It was in its worst condition of preservation. (Atlas Obscura)
Badshahi Mosque Lahore (RazPhotos)
The mosque was eventually restored to its indiginous motive, and considerable repairs were undertaken, when Pakistan became a liberated Muslim state, after 1947. Repairs continued until 2008, and now at present time the Badshahimosque has nearly returned to its natural 17th century state. (Atlas Obscura)
Eager to visit the 16th century fortress in Pakistan, the Rohtas Fort of Jhelum, eventually became a reality in April 2018. The weather was extremely warm on the day of our visit, but we were mesmerized by the beauty and architecture of the Fort.
In the 16th century in North of Pakistan, Province of Punjab, Rohtas Fort was built at a tactical location. (whc.unesco.org). The fortress was built throughout the governing of the Pashtun king Sher ShahSuri between 1541 and 1548 in order to assist conquer the insurgent groups of the Potohar area of northern Punjab, which were faithful to the Mughal crown. It is stated that, the Fort is the only biggest and most intimidating in the subcontinent. Rohtas Fort has survived extraordinary intact, and was not at all stormed forcefully. (Wikipedia)
Large defensive walls of Rohtas Fort (RazPhotos)
The Fort is recognised for its huge defensive walls, and numerous monumental gateways. The height of the external wall differs between 10 and 13 metres. The walls hold up to 3 terraces located at various levels. Every level was joined to the other via a staircase. It states that, merlon-shaped battlements are on the highest terrace, which muskets could be fired, and soldiers would pour molten lead. (Wikipedia)
King Sher Shah Suri and his guards in Rohtas Fort museum (RazPhotos)
Sher Shah Suri (1486-1545), was the founder of Suri Empire in the northern area of Indian subcontinent. He was born as Farid Khan Lodhi, and died on 22 May 1545, aged 58-59. Sher Shah powered the Mughal Empire in 1538. Initially he served as a private then became a commander in the Mughal army under Babur, followed by the governor of Bihar. In 1537, Sher Shah occupied the state of Bengal and acknowledged the Suri dynasty. An excellent strategist, Sher Shah demonstrated himself as a talented administrator and a competent general. The reorganization of the empire set the basis for the future Mughal emperors, in particular Akbar, son of Humayun. (Wikipedia)
Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar was the third Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1556 to 1605. He was also known as Badshah of Mughal Empire and Akbar the Great. Akbar superseded his father, Humayan, under a regent, Bairam Khan, who supported him to enlarge and strengthen Mughal territory in India. (Wikipedia)
The Haveli of Man Singh Rohtas Fort, Pakistan (RazPhotos)
The domed tower is the only surviving example of Hindu architecture amongst the fort, which is named after one of Akbar’s prominent generals. (https://www.tribune.com.pk)
Rani Mahal and Haveli Man Singh, RazPhotos
Man Singh, known as Raja Man Singh I (21 December 1550 – 6 July 1614) was the kachwaha Rajput Raja of Amer, a nation eventually known as Jaipur in Rajputana. He was one of Emperor Akbar’s devoted generals, who was included amongst the Navaratnas, or the nine (nava) gems (ratna) of the royal bench.(Wikipedia). The Haveli (mansion) of Man Singh, also known as Rani Mahal (Queens palace) at the Rohtas Fort only survived one room, when initially it consisted of four rooms. The room is remarkable for its two balconies on the southern and eastern frontages, and is approximately 5.5 meters square. The prime chamber is covered with a lotus shaped ornament on the roof.(https://www.orientalarchitecture.com)
Situated in Lahore is Minar-e-Pakistan a national monument of Pakistan. Between 1960 and 1968 this tower was built on a location where the All-India Muslim League (a political party founded in the British Indian Empire, throughout the initial years of the 20th century) approved the Lahore Resolution on 20th March 1940. It was the first authorised call for an individual and independent native land for the Muslims of British India as adopted by the two-nation theory (the foundation of the existence of Pakistan). The resolution finally helped cause the emergence of an independent Pakistani state in 1947. (Wikipedia)
Minar-e-Pakistan (RazPhotos)
The construction of Minar-e-Pakistan started on 23rd March 1960 and was completed on 21st October 1968. The height of the tower is 62 metres (203 ft), and the architect was Nasreddin Murat-Khan. According to Wikipedia, the architect was a Russian-born Pakistani (1904-1970). He was well known for many notable buildings and structures.
Nasreddin Murat-Khan (architect)
The design of the tower is reflected by a mixture of Mughal/Islamic and contemporary architecture. The construction took eight years costing approximately Rs 7,058,000. It is stated that, the governor of West Pakistan, Akhtar Hussain demanded money be gathered by charging extra tax on horse racing and cinema tickets. Present time, the minaret supplies extensive view, by means of an elevator to those visitors who cannot access the top nor use the stairs. There is an artificial lake and marble fountains in the parks nearby the monument. (Wikipedia)
Pakistan is the most beautiful and only country I visit on a regular basis. Faisal Mosque or Faisal Masjid is an amusing tourist place to visit, that blows ones mind with it’s astonishing architectural design. The remarkable fountain situated on the courtyard of the mosque is an extended attraction. Not to forget the tourist shop, where one can buy charming souveniers. A recommended mosque to visit next time your in Pakistan.
RazPhotos
According to Wikipedia, Faisal Mosque is located on the foothills of Margalla Hills, in Islamabad, Pakistan. The mosque is inspired by a Bedouin tent (traditionally made by hand of sheep or goat hair, that provides a perfect shelter), and features a modern design comprising of eight sides of concrete shell. Faisal Mosque is referred as a contemporary and dominant aspect of Islamic architecture, and is a significant tourist attraction.
In 1976 the construction of the mosque started, after the Saudi King Faisal, whose name it carries, contributed a $120 million grant. Vedat Dalokay a Turkish architects unconventional design was opted at an international competition. The mosque is shaped like a Bedouin tent, and encompassed by four 79m high minarets. The diagram features eight-sided shell shaped sloping roofs creating a triangular reverence hall that can bear 100,000 worshippers, and upto 200,000 and more in the courtyard and encircling porticoes. (Wikipedia)
The mosque is situated at the end of Faisal Avenue, and dominates the landscape of Islamabad, covering an area of 54,000 square feet. From 1986 until 1993, Faisal Mosque was the biggest mosque in the world, then mosques in the MENA area took over. In terms of capacity, according to Wikipedia, Faisal mosque is the fourth largest mosque.
My initial experience flying with Etihad Airways. The journey started on Friday 20th April 2018, from Manchester International Airport.
The flight was scheduled at 9.00am, to Islamabad, however it had been delayed an hour. There was enough time until airborne , so we decided to roam around terminal 1 lounge. Interestingly, we came across a man selling tickets for a competition to win a car. The company BOTB had displayed a real car, perhaps to approach more people to buy the tickets.
BOTB (Best of the Best PLC), has been operating in the main airports since 1999. Fortunately, “Dream Car and Lifestyle Competition” company, gives away a Dream Car every week.
According to Wikipedia, to date BOTB has handed keys over to more than £22m worth of prizes. It is stated that in 2018, BOTB launched an independent weekly lifestyle competition that gave away motorbikes, luxury watches and cash.
Customers purchase tickets for the prize they desire to win, and play SpottheBall. An independent panel of judges considers the person nearest to the ball wins the car of that week. The company as stated in Wikipedia, is listed on the AIMLondon Stock Exchange, and it’s headquarter is in FulhamLondon.
BOTB Internet
Surprisingly, the idea of few people winning a selected car of their choice was an opportunity not to be missed. Five tickets for £10 was a fair deal, so I purchased some.
Personal details were collected on the computer, and I was told to continue checking my email. Confused at the fact that no receipt was given to me, and I wasn’t aware of the ticket numbers. My mind began to wonder if this was a scam and just a way to make money.
Etihad Airways is a pleasant airline to fly with, with its professional and caring crew. The 7 hour journey to Abu Dhabi (layover destination) was comfortable.
Food was the main issue for me, as my taste buds are very sensitive! Spinach and feta Arabic pastry was served as a snack, but unfortunately, it didn’t impress my taste buds. It had a rich aroma and bulky texture, with a weird taste. After one bite, the pastry was placed back into its presentable fancy packet. From all the meals served on this flight, breakfast was my favourite. Roast potatoes, omelette and grilled tomatoes were delicious.
RazPhotos
The entertainment system was working, but nothing fascinating was screening. However, the journey map was exceptionally useful, demonstrating the exact point of travel.
RazPhotos
The seats were quite comfortable and spacious, with USB and phonecharger sockets. Amazed by the unique, impressive cupholder, that kepy the cup intact, avoiding any spillages during the flight.
RazPhotos
The flap of the cup holder can be placed back, when not in use.
Badshahi Mosque Lahore (RazPhotos)
Badshahi Mosque Lahore (RazPhotos)
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