Emirates, a global connector of people, places and economies, Tuesday announced its plans to launch services to Multan, Pakistan, beginning Aug. 1.

Service to Multan, Pakistan’s 5th largest city by population, will commence with four weekly flights operated by a Boeing 777-300 in a two-class configuration — 54 seats in Business Class and 310 in Economy Class. The aircraft can carry up to 23 tons of cargo, opening up many more trade opportunities.

Multan is one of the world’s oldest cities with a rich history as a cultural and trade hub. Located on the banks of the Chenab River in the Punjab province of Pakistan, Multan is known for agricultural products such as wheat, cotton, sugarcane, mangoes, citrus, guavas, and pomegranates. Multan is also a commercial and industrial center, well connected with other industrial hubs such as Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala, Quetta and Faisalabad.

“As we approach our 30-year anniversary of services to Pakistan, we’re reminded of the strong ties we have with the country,” said Ahmed Khoory, SVP commercial operations West Asia and Indian Ocean. “The additional services to Karachi and the introduction of Multan to our network will position Pakistan as Emirates’ fourth most highly served country worldwide with 80 return flights a week operating between Dubai and Pakistan.”

Emirates flight EK630 will depart Dubai at 6:20 p.m. and arrive in Multan at 10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The return flight EK631 will leave Multan at 11:30 p.m. arriving in Dubai at 1:20 a.m.

Emirates will also introduce five additional weekly fights to Karachi, starting July 1. Emirates flight EK618 will depart Dubai at 4:50 a.m. and arrive in Karachi at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The return flight EK619 will leave Karachi at 9:40 a.m., arriving in Dubai at 10:55 a.m.