QUETTA: The Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) has launched a scathing critique against Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), accusing the national flag carrier of “highly inappropriate” behavior that is severely disrupting travel and connectivity for the people of Balochistan.
In a strongly-worded statement, the central spokesperson for BAP condemned PIA for a litany of issues, chief among them being exorbitant airfares and unreliable scheduling. The party asserted that instead of providing a quality travel service, PIA has become a source of significant public inconvenience.
The spokesperson highlighted that sudden flight cancellations and extensive delays have become a routine occurrence, causing major disruptions for passengers. “Flights are being cancelled without prior notice, forcing passengers to wait for hours at airports with no alternative arrangements,” the spokesperson stated, painting a picture of chaos and neglect at Quetta’s airports.
Compounding the operational failures is a staggering disparity in airfare. According to BAP, ticket prices for routes from Quetta to major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are currently three to four times higher than for comparable domestic routes in other parts of the country. This price surge is not only placing an unbearable financial burden on passengers but is also actively severing Balochistan’s crucial links with the rest of Pakistan, impacting business, education, and healthcare travel.
In light of these grievances, BAP has issued a firm demand for PIA to immediately withdraw the recent fare hike and put an immediate stop to the unpredictable cancellations and delays. The party has also called upon the federal government and the Aviation Minister to take urgent notice of the situation and intervene to hold the national carrier accountable, ensuring reliable and affordable air travel for the citizens of Balochistan.
Meanwhile the cold weather tightened its grip across central and northern Balochistan on Thursday as temperatures in several districts, including Quetta and Kalat, dropped to 1°C, adding a noticeable chill to the region.
In this regard, the Meteorological Department, most parts of the province are expected to remain cold and dry throughout the day.
Furthermore, in Quetta, early morning conditions were particularly harsh, with the mercury sliding to a minimum of 1°C one of the coldest mornings recorded so far this season.
