By Mohammad Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow : The All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) on Sunday has demanded introduction of direct flight from Lucknow to Najaf-e-Ashraf at Iraq. The demand has been made on grounds that Najaf-e-Ashraf has mausoleum of fourth Caliph Hazrat Ali which is reverred by all Muslims mainly Shias.
The spokesperson, AISPLB, Maulana Yasoob Abbas in a letter to Prime Minister (PM) and Civil Aviation Ministry has urged for introduction of direct air link between Najaf-e-Ashraf and Lucknow. Lucknow already has a direct air link to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from its Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport (Amausi).
“Hazrat Ali is reverred by all sects of Muslims. Shias and other Muslims visit the place every year in large number. Presently there is no direct link. They need to go through Dubai or Teheran,” said Abbas.
He also stated that as Lucknow is a major centre of Shia Muslims, the air service will be helpful to them and will end the travel agony in reaching Najaf-e-Ashraf.