A PIA plane on the runway in Islamabad. (Photo: AFP)

According to an AFP journalist aboard the flight from Islamabad, there was hardly anyone on the plane, around 10 people, and maybe more staff than passengers.

PIA was keen to resume regular commercial services between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a spokesperson for the airline said. However, he said it was too soon to say how frequently the flights would operate.

After taking control of the Kabul airport, the Taliban sought technical assistance from Qatar and Turkey to make the airport operational again.