Rising PIA fares to affect Hajj pilgrims



KARACHI: The top management of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was informed on Friday that rising traveling fares of the national carrier would be a problem for Hajj pilgrims.

In a meeting with PIA Chairman Ahmed Mukhtar and MD Aijaz Haroon, Federal Religious Affairs Minister Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah briefed that PIA fares were higher in comparison to neighbouring countries, stated a handout issued here.

However, the PIA management cautioned that the airline has been suffering from record losses. Nevertheless, additional staff would be deputed to facilitate Hajj pilgrims.

Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, who is also the Defense Minister, received a warm welcome on his arrival by the employees of the airline.

He said that the present government will not let down the employees and that the disparities within the organisation will be looked into and resolved.

He further said that all employees should work collectively as a team with sincere efforts and hard work to revive the past glory of PIA, currently confronted with financial difficulties. He also expressed his confidence in the new management for improving the performance of the airline, leading to a healthy balance sheet.