An international commercial flight touched down in the Afghan capital on Monday, the first since the Taliban retook power last month.

Kabul airport was left trashed after foreign forces completed their chaotic withdrawal on August 30, evacuating more than 120,000 people from the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorist-vs-terrorist-al-qaeda-leader-zawahiri-claims-credit-for-911-islamic-state-asks-if-he-is-still-alive-412505">Also Read:&nbsp;Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri claims credit for 9/11, Islamic State asks if he is still alive</a>

The Taliban have since been scrambling to get it operating again with technical assistance from Qatar and other nations.

"There was hardly anyone on the plane, around 10 people... maybe more staff than passengers," said an AFP journalist aboard the Pakistan International Airways (PIA) flight from Islamabad.

The resumption of commercial flights will be a key test for the Taliban, who have repeatedly promised to allow Afghans with the right documents to leave the country freely.&nbsp;

Many NATO nations admitted that they had run out of time to evacuate thousands of at-risk Afghans before the withdrawal deadline -- agreed between the United States and the Taliban.&nbsp;

A PIA spokesman said at the weekend that the airline was keen to resume regular commercial services, but it was too soon to say how frequently flights between the two capitals would operate.

Qatar Airways operated several charter flights out of Kabul last week, carrying mostly foreigners and Afghans who missed out on the evacuation.

An Afghan airline resumed domestic services on September 3.

"This is a big moment. We are very excited," said one airport employee, dressed in a blue shalwar kameez and orange high-visibility vest.

"It's a hopeful day. Maybe other airlines will see this and decide to come back."

A bus painted with a "Welcome to Afghanistan" was waiting to ferry the passengers from the plane to the terminal, but in the end the new arrivals walked.

Around 100 passengers were waiting to catch the return flight to Islamabad -- mostly relatives of staffers with international organisations such as the World Bank, according to airport ground staff.

Passenger halls, airbridges and technical infrastructure were badly damaged in the days after the Taliban rolled into Kabul on August 15, when thousands of people stormed the airport in the hope of fleeing.

Tens of thousands of Afghans fear reprisals for helping foreign powers during the 20-year US-led occupation, but the Taliban insist they have granted a general amnesty to everyone -- including the security forces they fought against.

The Taliban have promised a milder form of rule this time, but have moved swiftly to crush dissent, including firing in the air to disperse recent protests by women calling for the right to education and work.

An international commercial flight touched down in the Afghan capital on Monday, the first since the Taliban retook power last month. Kabul airport was left trashed after foreign forces completed their chaotic withdrawal on August 30, evacuating more than 120,000 people from the country.

An international commercial flight touched down in the Afghan capital on Monday, the first since the Taliban retook power last month. Kabul airport was left trashed after foreign forces completed their chaotic withdrawal on August 30, evacuating more than 120,000 people from the country. Also Read: Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri claims credit for 9/11, Islamic State asks if he is still alive The Taliban have since been scrambling to get it operating again with technical assistance from Qatar and other nations. "There was hardly anyone on the plane, around 10 people... maybe more staff than passengers," said an AFP journalist aboard the Pakistan International Airways (PIA) flight from Islamabad. The resumption of commercial flights will be a key test for the Taliban, who have repeatedly promised to allow Afghans with the right documents to leave the country freely. Many NATO nations admitted that they had run out of time to evacuate thousands of at-risk Afghans before the withdrawal deadline -- agreed between the United States and the Taliban. A PIA spokesman said at the weekend that the airline was keen to resume regular commercial services, but it was too soon to say how frequently flights between the two capitals would operate. Qatar Airways operated several charter flights out of Kabul last week, carrying mostly foreigners and Afghans who missed out on the evacuation. An Afghan airline resumed domestic services on September 3. "This is a big moment. We are very excited," said one airport employee, dressed in a blue shalwar kameez and orange high-visibility vest. "It's a hopeful day. Maybe other airlines will see this and decide to come back." A bus painted with a "Welcome to Afghanistan" was waiting to ferry the passengers from the plane to the terminal, but in the end the new arrivals walked. Around 100 passengers were waiting to catch the return flight to Islamabad -- mostly relatives of staffers with international organisations such as the World Bank, according to airport ground staff. Passenger halls, airbridges and technical infrastructure were badly damaged in the days after the Taliban rolled into Kabul on August 15, when thousands of people stormed the airport in the hope of fleeing. Tens of thousands of Afghans fear reprisals for helping foreign powers during the 20-year US-led occupation, but the Taliban insist they have granted a general amnesty to everyone -- including the security forces they fought against. The Taliban have promised a milder form of rule this time, but have moved swiftly to crush dissent, including firing in the air to disperse recent protests by women calling for the right to education and work.

Pakistan International Airways becomes first passenger flight to arrive in Kabul after Taliban's takeover

On September 11, multiple media reports had stated that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is ready to start commercial flights to Kabul. However, PIA has clarified against it now.<o:p></o:p>

Earlier, news agency AFP had quoted PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan who claimed that PIA had received all technical clearances to resume flight operations in Kabul. He had also stated that the first commercial flight between Islamabad and Taliban-controlled Kabul will fly on September 13.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-raise-flag-on-afghan-presidential-palace-as-us-marks-911-anniversary-412376">Taliban raise flag on Afghan presidential palace as US marks 9/11 anniversary</a></o:p>

However, the PIA spokesperson has backtracked now and has denied plans of PIA resuming commercial flights to Kabul just yet, local newspaper Dawn reported.<o:p></o:p>

He claimed his statements had been taken out of context by western news agency, AFP. "We had actually applied for a charter flight permission to Kabul that was taken up by media and they actually said PIA is now resuming its regular flight operation from Sept 13, which is not the case," Voice of America quoted him as saying.<o:p></o:p>

The PIA had temporarily suspended all commercial flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan on August 16 as Taliban took control over Afghanistan after the former leader Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-why-pakistan-supports-the-taliban-412381">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-why-pakistan-supports-the-taliban-412381/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, local reports suggest Taliban is gearing up to resume commercial operations at the Kabul International Airport soon. <o:p></o:p>

Taliban took over the airport after the US troops completed withdrawal process on August 31. Since then, images and reports coming from local media houses suggest that Taliban have started cleaning, repairing and maintaining the airport with the hope of restarting international flights soon.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, Qatar Airways has chartered two flights since the US troops' withdrawal, which were solely flown into Kabul with the objective of rescuing American and other nationality citizens from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. <o:p></o:p>

On September 11, multiple media reports had stated that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is ready to start commercial flights to Kabul. However, PIA has clarified against it now.

On September 11, multiple media reports had stated that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is ready to start commercial flights to Kabul. However, PIA has clarified against it now. Earlier, news agency AFP had quoted PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan who claimed that PIA had received all technical clearances to resume flight operations in Kabul. He had also stated that the first commercial flight between Islamabad and Taliban-controlled Kabul will fly on September 13. Also read | Taliban raise flag on Afghan presidential palace as US marks 9/11 anniversary However, the PIA spokesperson has backtracked now and has denied plans of PIA resuming commercial flights to Kabul just yet, local newspaper Dawn reported. He claimed his statements had been taken out of context by western news agency, AFP. "We had actually applied for a charter flight permission to Kabul that was taken up by media and they actually said PIA is now resuming its regular flight operation from Sept 13, which is not the case," Voice of America quoted him as saying. The PIA had temporarily suspended all commercial flights between Afghanistan and Pakistan on August 16 as Taliban took control over Afghanistan after the former leader Ashraf Ghani fled the country. WATCH | Meanwhile, local reports suggest Taliban is gearing up to resume commercial operations at the Kabul International Airport soon. Taliban took over the airport after the US troops completed withdrawal process on August 31. Since then, images and reports coming from local media houses suggest that Taliban have started cleaning, repairing and maintaining the airport with the hope of restarting international flights soon. As of now, Qatar Airways has chartered two flights since the US troops' withdrawal, which were solely flown into Kabul with the objective of rescuing American and other nationality citizens from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

No plans of resuming commercial flights between Kabul and Pakistan yet: PIA backtracks

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month.

Kabul airport was severely damaged during a chaotic evacuation of over 120,000 people that ended with the withdrawal of US forces on August 30. The Taliban have been scrambling to get it operating again with Qatari technical assistance.

"We have got all technical clearances for flight operations," PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wfp-93-of-afghans-do-not-eat-enough-food-412249">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wfp-93-of-afghans-do-not-eat-enough-food-412249/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our first commercial plane... is scheduled to fly from Islamabad to Kabul on September 13."

Khan said the service would depend on demand.

"We have received 73 requests which is very encouraging... from humanitarian relief agencies and journalists," he said.

In the last two days Qatar Airways has operated two charter flights out of Kabul, carrying mostly foreigners and Afghans who missed being taken out during the evacuation.

An Afghan airline resumed domestic flights last week.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights from Islamabad to Kabul next week, a spokesman told AFP Saturday, becoming the first foreign commercial service since the Taliban seized power last month. Kabul airport was severely damaged during a chaotic evacuation of over 120,000 people that ended with the withdrawal of US forces on August 30. The Taliban have been scrambling to get it operating again with Qatari technical assistance. "We have got all technical clearances for flight operations," PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan told AFP. WATCH | "Our first commercial plane... is scheduled to fly from Islamabad to Kabul on September 13." Khan said the service would depend on demand. "We have received 73 requests which is very encouraging... from humanitarian relief agencies and journalists," he said. In the last two days Qatar Airways has operated two charter flights out of Kabul, carrying mostly foreigners and Afghans who missed being taken out during the evacuation. An Afghan airline resumed domestic flights last week.

Pakistan's PIA to restart commercial flights to Kabul from Monday

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports.&nbsp;

PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday.

PIA was the only commercial airline that was operating flights to and from Kabul. This was done to aid evacuation of diplomats and foreign nationals from Afghanistan.

Geo News quoted sources to say that there were no immigration officials and security checks at the Kabul airport. Sanitation workers were also not performing their duties since the Taliban took control of the country.

The garbage at the airport's tarmac could cause a tragic accident, feared the sources.

The security of Kabul airport is with the US and they were interested in military aircraft only, the report quoted the sources as saying.

Radio Pakistan also reported that PIA has "temporarily" suspended its flight operation to Afghanistan due to unavailability of necessary facilities at Kabul airport.

Quoting PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, the report said the flight operation will remain closed for a couple of days.

"We have talked to Afghan Civil Aviation Authority for restoration of all required facilities at Kabul airport as soon as possible so that PIA could resume its flight operation," Hafeez said, adding that PIA has so far evacuated 1,500 people, including journalists, UN officials and Pakistani national, in five flights.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports. PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday.

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports. PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday. PIA was the only commercial airline that was operating flights to and from Kabul. This was done to aid evacuation of diplomats and foreign nationals from Afghanistan. Geo News quoted sources to say that there were no immigration officials and security checks at the Kabul airport. Sanitation workers were also not performing their duties since the Taliban took control of the country. The garbage at the airport's tarmac could cause a tragic accident, feared the sources. The security of Kabul airport is with the US and they were interested in military aircraft only, the report quoted the sources as saying. Radio Pakistan also reported that PIA has "temporarily" suspended its flight operation to Afghanistan due to unavailability of necessary facilities at Kabul airport. Quoting PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, the report said the flight operation will remain closed for a couple of days. "We have talked to Afghan Civil Aviation Authority for restoration of all required facilities at Kabul airport as soon as possible so that PIA could resume its flight operation," Hafeez said, adding that PIA has so far evacuated 1,500 people, including journalists, UN officials and Pakistani national, in five flights. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul: Pakistan temporarily suspends flight operations due to 'garbage' 

Yet another controversy has surrounded the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and this time it is the company's monetary situation.

An aircraft of the PIA was seized at the Kuala Lumpur airport, while 170 passengers were on board.

Malaysian authorities seized a Boeing-777 of the PIA at the Kuala Lumpur airport following court orders against the company as the PIA had been proven guilty for non-payment of aircraft lease dues.

As per reports, the company owed money to the AerCap, a Dublin-based company.&nbsp;

The Pakistan company has now, after almost a week, paid nearly $7 million to the Peregrine Aviation Charlie Limited, local media reported.

"The claimant’s position is that the sums were paid today by the defendant (PIA)," AerCap's lawyer told the court this week.

PIA's payments were pending since July. As per the local reports, PIA owed $580,000 per month to the airliner which was due in the whole amount.

The leasing company had to, in the end, file a case against the Pakistan airlines in the London High Court. This case was filed in October 2020 and the official records read the charge to be non-payment of leasing fee, which was nearly $14 million and was due for nearly six months.

When the PIA had been informed about the non-payment, they had cited pandemic to be a reason, claiming the airlines had been badly hit following a worldwide lockdown.

However, the leasing company had been tracking the company's movement and appealed to the London High Court to issue an order of seizing the aircraft as per the international civil aviation leasing laws.&nbsp;

When the aircraft landed in Malaysia, the authorities seized the aircraft with the passengers on board, creating chaos.

Yet another controversy has surrounded the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and this time it is the company's monetary situation. An aircraft of the PIA was seized at the Kuala Lumpur airport, while 170 passengers were on board.

Yet another controversy has surrounded the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and this time it is the company's monetary situation. An aircraft of the PIA was seized at the Kuala Lumpur airport, while 170 passengers were on board. Malaysian authorities seized a Boeing-777 of the PIA at the Kuala Lumpur airport following court orders against the company as the PIA had been proven guilty for non-payment of aircraft lease dues. As per reports, the company owed money to the AerCap, a Dublin-based company. The Pakistan company has now, after almost a week, paid nearly $7 million to the Peregrine Aviation Charlie Limited, local media reported. "The claimant’s position is that the sums were paid today by the defendant (PIA)," AerCap's lawyer told the court this week. PIA's payments were pending since July. As per the local reports, PIA owed $580,000 per month to the airliner which was due in the whole amount. The leasing company had to, in the end, file a case against the Pakistan airlines in the London High Court. This case was filed in October 2020 and the official records read the charge to be non-payment of leasing fee, which was nearly $14 million and was due for nearly six months. When the PIA had been informed about the non-payment, they had cited pandemic to be a reason, claiming the airlines had been badly hit following a worldwide lockdown. However, the leasing company had been tracking the company's movement and appealed to the London High Court to issue an order of seizing the aircraft as per the international civil aviation leasing laws. When the aircraft landed in Malaysia, the authorities seized the aircraft with the passengers on board, creating chaos.

PIA aircraft seized at Kuala Lumpur with 170 passengers on board

Pakistan's airlines face the risk of getting banned from flying to 188 countries over the pilot licensing issue and failure to keep up with the international standards as needed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a media report claimed on Sunday.

The development came after its flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has already been banned from taking flights to the UK and the European Union after the licensing scam came to light which revealed that country's 262 pilots held fake credentials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rules-out-complete-lockdown-despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-340744">Pakistan rules out complete lockdown despite surge in COVID-19 cases</a>

The ICAO in its 12th meeting approved a mechanism for addressing Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) facing its member states and in light of this issued a serious warning to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-teenage-christian-girl-who-was-forcibly-kidnapped-and-coverted-recovered-340075">Pakistan: Teenage Christian girl, who was forcibly kidnapped and converted recovered</a>

A November 3 letter said that PCAA had failed to meet the international standards of pilots' licensing and training.

As a result of this letter, Pakistan's aircraft and pilots are likely to be barred from flying to 188 countries in the world, a report by Pakistan's The Express Tribune said.&nbsp;

"This will have serious consequences and could be a total disaster for Pakistan`s aviation industry," a spokesperson of Pakistan Airlines Pilots Association (Palpa) said.&nbsp;

"Palpa had been raising this issue since June 2020 but unfortunately it was neglected by the authorities concerned."

Pakistan's airlines face the risk of getting banned from flying to 188 countries over the pilot licensing issue and failure to keep up with the international standards as needed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a media report claimed on Sunday.

Pakistan's airlines face the risk of getting banned from flying to 188 countries over the pilot licensing issue and failure to keep up with the international standards as needed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a media report claimed on Sunday. The development came after its flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has already been banned from taking flights to the UK and the European Union after the licensing scam came to light which revealed that country's 262 pilots held fake credentials. Also read | Pakistan rules out complete lockdown despite surge in COVID-19 cases The ICAO in its 12th meeting approved a mechanism for addressing Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) facing its member states and in light of this issued a serious warning to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). Also read | Pakistan: Teenage Christian girl, who was forcibly kidnapped and converted recovered A November 3 letter said that PCAA had failed to meet the international standards of pilots' licensing and training. As a result of this letter, Pakistan's aircraft and pilots are likely to be barred from flying to 188 countries in the world, a report by Pakistan's The Express Tribune said. "This will have serious consequences and could be a total disaster for Pakistan`s aviation industry," a spokesperson of Pakistan Airlines Pilots Association (Palpa) said. "Palpa had been raising this issue since June 2020 but unfortunately it was neglected by the authorities concerned."

Pakistan: Airlines could be barred from flying to 188 countries

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has asked Pakistan to ensure&nbsp;“immediate corrective actions” against the controversies of fake licenses in the aviation industry.

ICAO is a part of the&nbsp;United Nations that looks into the matters related to safety in the&nbsp;international air transport.

The organisation urged the&nbsp;Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to stop issuing any new licenses to the Pakistani pilots until the controversy is solved.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pia-sacks-74-more-employees-for-fake-degrees-and-other-malpractices-324815">Also read:&nbsp;PIA sacks 74 more employees for fake degrees and other malpractices</a>

The decision was made days after Pakistan started investigating the nearly 50 pilots and five aviation officials who falsified documents and issued fake licenses.

“Pakistan should improve and strengthen its licensing system to ensure that it takes into account all necessary processes and procedures and prevents inconsistencies and malpractices before new licenses are issued and privileges of suspended licenses are re-established,” the ICAO said in a previously unreported letter to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-aviation-regulator-issues-show-cause-notices-to-193-pilots-following-licence-scandal-319432">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's aviation regulator issues show cause notices to 193 pilots following licence scandal</a>

However, the Pakistani officials have claimed that no new licenses have been issued since the controversy broke out in July.

While the PIA was also involved in the controversy, and was accused of the security breaches, PIA denied any known involvement.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has revoked licenses of more than 50 pilots and suspended nearly 32 pilots for a whole year.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has asked Pakistan to ensure “immediate corrective actions” against the controversies of fake licenses in the aviation industry.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has asked Pakistan to ensure “immediate corrective actions” against the controversies of fake licenses in the aviation industry. ICAO is a part of the United Nations that looks into the matters related to safety in the international air transport. The organisation urged the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to stop issuing any new licenses to the Pakistani pilots until the controversy is solved. Also read: PIA sacks 74 more employees for fake degrees and other malpractices The decision was made days after Pakistan started investigating the nearly 50 pilots and five aviation officials who falsified documents and issued fake licenses. “Pakistan should improve and strengthen its licensing system to ensure that it takes into account all necessary processes and procedures and prevents inconsistencies and malpractices before new licenses are issued and privileges of suspended licenses are re-established,” the ICAO said in a previously unreported letter to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) last week. Also read: Pakistan's aviation regulator issues show cause notices to 193 pilots following licence scandal However, the Pakistani officials have claimed that no new licenses have been issued since the controversy broke out in July. While the PIA was also involved in the controversy, and was accused of the security breaches, PIA denied any known involvement. Meanwhile, Pakistan has revoked licenses of more than 50 pilots and suspended nearly 32 pilots for a whole year.

International body asks Pakistan to stop issuing licenses to pilots

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has sacked 74 more employees for having fake degrees, engaging in drug smuggling and for poor performance, according to a media report.

Of the 74 employees sacked by the national carrier last month, 27 were dismissed for fake degrees, 31 for unauthorised measures, six for not following rules, four for damaging property, one for involvement in drug trafficking and three for stealing government records, PIA officials told the Express Tribune newspaper.

Another two employees were removed for 'illegal activities'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-aviation-regulator-issues-show-cause-notices-to-193-pilots-following-licence-scandal-319432">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's aviation regulator issues show cause notices to 193 pilots following licence scandal</a>

Apart from the sacked personnel, four employees were demoted, and 11 others were penalised for various disciplinary issues, the report said.

Now, the number of employees sacked in the airline in the last three months stands at 177, according to the report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-aviation-authority-suspends-15-more-pilots-having-fake-licenses-314253">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan aviation authority suspends 15 more pilots having fake licenses</a>

The PIA has taken up a so-called 'cleaning up' exercise of its staff following Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan's probe report into the May 22 Karachi plane crash.

The domestic flight from Lahore to Karachi crashed in a residential area near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

The aviation minister's probe report blamed the pilots and the air traffic control for the tragedy that killed 97 people. The report called for wholesale changes in the operations of the airline.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has sacked 74 more employees for having fake degrees, engaging in drug smuggling and for poor performance, according to a media report.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has sacked 74 more employees for having fake degrees, engaging in drug smuggling and for poor performance, according to a media report. Of the 74 employees sacked by the national carrier last month, 27 were dismissed for fake degrees, 31 for unauthorised measures, six for not following rules, four for damaging property, one for involvement in drug trafficking and three for stealing government records, PIA officials told the Express Tribune newspaper. Another two employees were removed for 'illegal activities'. Also read: Pakistan's aviation regulator issues show cause notices to 193 pilots following licence scandal Apart from the sacked personnel, four employees were demoted, and 11 others were penalised for various disciplinary issues, the report said. Now, the number of employees sacked in the airline in the last three months stands at 177, according to the report. Also read: Pakistan aviation authority suspends 15 more pilots having fake licenses The PIA has taken up a so-called 'cleaning up' exercise of its staff following Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan's probe report into the May 22 Karachi plane crash. The domestic flight from Lahore to Karachi crashed in a residential area near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The aviation minister's probe report blamed the pilots and the air traffic control for the tragedy that killed 97 people. The report called for wholesale changes in the operations of the airline.

PIA sacks 74 more employees for fake degrees and other malpractices

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) last month sacked 63 of its employees, including 5 pilots, on charges of fake degrees, embezzlement and absence from duty.

All five of the sacked pilots were holding fake licences, said PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan, adding that all the employees were dismissed in accordance to the law.

Twenty-eight employees were removed for fake education credentials and 27 employees were sacked for being absent from duty without notice, Khan said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-reports-432-new-cases-of-coronavirus-ministry-318061" hreflang="en">Pak reports 432 new cases of coronavirus: Ministry</a>

Two employees were fired on charges of embezzlement and one employee was fired for incompetence.

Further, the airlines demoted four employees for refusing to work, and held back increments of three employees for violating standard operating procedures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-tells-pakistan-to-not-get-emotional-over-uighur-crisis-317929" hreflang="en">China tells Pakistan to not get 'emotional' over Uighur crisis</a>

Last month, the airline had sacked 17 pilots on the order of the federal cabinet. The 12 captains and five first officers were found to have 'dubious' flying licences.

The pilots were dismissed following Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan's probe into the May 22 Karachi plane crash.

In June, the minister had told the Parliament that 262 pilots in the country held "suspicious flying licences" and would be grounded immediately.

The domestic flight from Lahore to Karachi crashed in a residential area near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on May 22.

The aviation minister's probe report blamed the pilots and the air traffic control for the tragedy that killed 97 people.&nbsp;

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) last month sacked 63 of its employees, including 5 pilots, on charges of fake degrees, embezzlement and absence from duty.

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) last month sacked 63 of its employees, including 5 pilots, on charges of fake degrees, embezzlement and absence from duty. All five of the sacked pilots were holding fake licences, said PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan, adding that all the employees were dismissed in accordance to the law. Twenty-eight employees were removed for fake education credentials and 27 employees were sacked for being absent from duty without notice, Khan said. Also read: Pak reports 432 new cases of coronavirus: Ministry Two employees were fired on charges of embezzlement and one employee was fired for incompetence. Further, the airlines demoted four employees for refusing to work, and held back increments of three employees for violating standard operating procedures. Also read: China tells Pakistan to not get 'emotional' over Uighur crisis Last month, the airline had sacked 17 pilots on the order of the federal cabinet. The 12 captains and five first officers were found to have 'dubious' flying licences. The pilots were dismissed following Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan's probe into the May 22 Karachi plane crash. In June, the minister had told the Parliament that 262 pilots in the country held "suspicious flying licences" and would be grounded immediately. The domestic flight from Lahore to Karachi crashed in a residential area near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on May 22. The aviation minister's probe report blamed the pilots and the air traffic control for the tragedy that killed 97 people.

PIA sacks 63 employees for fake degrees, embezzlement

The US Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States, citing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerns over Pakistani pilot certifications.

The information is contained in a revocation of special authorisation dated July 1 provided by the department to Reuters on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malaysia-suspends-pakistan-pilots-after-licence-fraud-revelation-310573">Also read:&nbsp;Malaysia suspends Pakistan pilots after licence fraud revelation</a>

Pakistan last month grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. 
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency suspended PIA`s authorisation to fly to the bloc for six months in a blow to the carrier`s operations.

PIA was not available immediately for comment outside normal business hours.

Pakistan`s Geo News reported PIA had confirmed the US ban and said it would address the concerns through ongoing corrective measures within the airline.

Pakistan`s grounding of pilots with dubious credentials followed the crash of a PIA jet in May that killed 97 people.

The US Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States, citing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerns over Pakistani pilot certifications.

The US Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States, citing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerns over Pakistani pilot certifications. The information is contained in a revocation of special authorisation dated July 1 provided by the department to Reuters on Friday. Also read: Malaysia suspends Pakistan pilots after licence fraud revelation Pakistan last month grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency suspended PIA`s authorisation to fly to the bloc for six months in a blow to the carrier`s operations. PIA was not available immediately for comment outside normal business hours. Pakistan`s Geo News reported PIA had confirmed the US ban and said it would address the concerns through ongoing corrective measures within the airline. Pakistan`s grounding of pilots with dubious credentials followed the crash of a PIA jet in May that killed 97 people.

US bans Pakistan International Airlines flights over pilot concerns

US bans Pakistan International Airlines flights over safety issues

Malaysia`s aviation regulator has temporarily suspended pilots employed by domestic airlines who hold Pakistani licences, after the government of the South Asian nation revealed that many pilots had dubious qualifications.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said in a statement on Thursday that the decision came after an evaluation of all foreign pilots in Malaysia. The regulator told Reuters that there are less than 20 Pakistani pilots in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-airlines-ground-pakistani-pilots-over-reports-of-dubious-licences-310031">Also read:&nbsp;International airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'dubious licences'</a>

National carrier Malaysia Airlines said it does not have any Pakistani pilot, Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesia`s Lion Air, said it does not have any foreign pilots, and AirAsia said it does not have any Pakistani pilot. 
CAAM said the pilots were employed with “local operators”, such as flying schools, flying clubs and training organisations.

Pakistan last week grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. Pakistan has a total of 860 pilots, 107 of whom work for foreign airlines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-global-image-continues-to-worsen-pia-suspension-in-eu-latest-fallout-310309">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout</a>

Global concern has mounted since the announcement, with countries grounding Pakistan pilots and seeking to verify their credentials.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also suspended Pakistan International Airlines` authorisation to fly to the bloc for six months.

CAAM said it is making efforts with its Pakistani counterpart to verify the authenticity of the licence holders.

"Licence holders that are verified as valid by (the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority) will be reinstated immediately," it said.

Malaysia`s aviation regulator has temporarily suspended pilots employed by domestic airlines who hold Pakistani licences, after the government of the South Asian nation revealed that many pilots had dubious qualifications.

Malaysia`s aviation regulator has temporarily suspended pilots employed by domestic airlines who hold Pakistani licences, after the government of the South Asian nation revealed that many pilots had dubious qualifications. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said in a statement on Thursday that the decision came after an evaluation of all foreign pilots in Malaysia. The regulator told Reuters that there are less than 20 Pakistani pilots in the country. Also read: International airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'dubious licences' National carrier Malaysia Airlines said it does not have any Pakistani pilot, Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesia`s Lion Air, said it does not have any foreign pilots, and AirAsia said it does not have any Pakistani pilot. CAAM said the pilots were employed with “local operators”, such as flying schools, flying clubs and training organisations. Pakistan last week grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. Pakistan has a total of 860 pilots, 107 of whom work for foreign airlines. Also read: Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout Global concern has mounted since the announcement, with countries grounding Pakistan pilots and seeking to verify their credentials. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also suspended Pakistan International Airlines` authorisation to fly to the bloc for six months. CAAM said it is making efforts with its Pakistani counterpart to verify the authenticity of the licence holders. "Licence holders that are verified as valid by (the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority) will be reinstated immediately," it said.

Malaysia suspends Pakistan pilots after licence fraud revelation

Pakistan`s international image continues to get battered on a number of issues.

Pakistanis are not allowed to enter various European countries despite easing of COID-lockdown measures. And now the suspension of flight services by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in European countries is the latest fallout in line.

"Unbelievable! First, Pakistanis not allowed to enter various countries. Then Gulf Airlines refusing to come to Pakistan. Now PIA not allowed into EU! Thank you Selectors and Captain of Team Pakistan!," tweeted Najam Sethi, noted Pakistani jurnalist.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-airlines-ground-pakistani-pilots-over-reports-of-dubious-licences-310031">Also read|&nbsp;International airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'dubious licences'</a>

Pakistan has not been included in the draft list of 54 countries that will benefit from the reopening of the European Union`s external borders from July. Regulators have barred PIA from the European Union and Britain for six months after the state-run carrier grounded nearly a third of its pilots for holding fake or dubious licences, officials said on Tuesday.

The EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) told PIA "it is still not sure" if all the remaining pilots are properly qualified, and "they have lost their confidence" in the airline.

After a government review, last week, had found 262 of the country`s 860 active pilots hold fake licenses or cheated on exams, more than half of them were from PIA, and the airline said it would immediately ground 141 of its 434 pilots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/european-union-bans-pakistan-international-airlines-from-flying-to-europe-for-six-months-309757">Also read|&nbsp;European Union bans Pakistan International Airlines from flying to Europe for six months</a>

The airline has only flown limited international flights for months as a result of the coronavirus. A resumption of domestic operations last month was followed by a crash blamed on pilot error that killed 98 people.

This is a huge blow to Pakistan and its national carrier, which even otherwise did not have a great reputation. This has caused a huge sensation in the aviation world globally and suggests that the country has treated passenger safety in a most cavalier fashion.

It also gives an idea of the gigantic scam taking place, which threatens the lives of thousands of flyers. Ethics and commitment are conspicuously missing.

The spate of negative happenings which have overwhelmed Pakistan suggests that luck is running out for Prime Minister Imran Khan due to his countless failures in governing the country. The cricketer-turned politician`s two-years term in office has hit rock bottom and to an extent that his pointing fingers at India for Monday`s attack may find few takers. The severe blows taken by PIA internationally cap other glaring failures.

Pakistan`s international image continues to get battered on a number of issues. Pakistanis are not allowed to enter various European countries despite easing of COID-lockdown measures.

Pakistan`s international image continues to get battered on a number of issues. Pakistanis are not allowed to enter various European countries despite easing of COID-lockdown measures. And now the suspension of flight services by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in European countries is the latest fallout in line. "Unbelievable! First, Pakistanis not allowed to enter various countries. Then Gulf Airlines refusing to come to Pakistan. Now PIA not allowed into EU! Thank you Selectors and Captain of Team Pakistan!," tweeted Najam Sethi, noted Pakistani jurnalist. Also read| International airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'dubious licences' Pakistan has not been included in the draft list of 54 countries that will benefit from the reopening of the European Union`s external borders from July. Regulators have barred PIA from the European Union and Britain for six months after the state-run carrier grounded nearly a third of its pilots for holding fake or dubious licences, officials said on Tuesday. The EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) told PIA "it is still not sure" if all the remaining pilots are properly qualified, and "they have lost their confidence" in the airline. After a government review, last week, had found 262 of the country`s 860 active pilots hold fake licenses or cheated on exams, more than half of them were from PIA, and the airline said it would immediately ground 141 of its 434 pilots. Also read| European Union bans Pakistan International Airlines from flying to Europe for six months The airline has only flown limited international flights for months as a result of the coronavirus. A resumption of domestic operations last month was followed by a crash blamed on pilot error that killed 98 people. This is a huge blow to Pakistan and its national carrier, which even otherwise did not have a great reputation. This has caused a huge sensation in the aviation world globally and suggests that the country has treated passenger safety in a most cavalier fashion. It also gives an idea of the gigantic scam taking place, which threatens the lives of thousands of flyers. Ethics and commitment are conspicuously missing. The spate of negative happenings which have overwhelmed Pakistan suggests that luck is running out for Prime Minister Imran Khan due to his countless failures in governing the country. The cricketer-turned politician`s two-years term in office has hit rock bottom and to an extent that his pointing fingers at India for Monday`s attack may find few takers. The severe blows taken by PIA internationally cap other glaring failures.

Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout

Several international airlines, including Qatar Airways, have initiated a probe against Pakistani employees and grounded them till further notice after authorities here reported that as many as 262 pilots were holding fake licences, a media report has said.

Last week, cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) grounded 150 pilots with "dubious licenses" after the preliminary probe report of the Karachi plane crash on May 22 blamed the pilots and the air traffic control for the tragedy that killed 97 people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-suspends-receiving-passengers-from-pakistan-over-covid-fears-309356">UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears</a>

The Express Tribune, quoting sources reported on Sunday that Kuwait Air has grounded seven Pakistani pilots and 56 engineers, while Qatar Airways, Oman Air and Vietnam Airlines have compiled lists of Pakistani pilots, engineers and ground-handling staff.

They said the employees whose names are on the lists will remain grounded till a report is received from the Pakistani authorities, it added.

The national flag carrier has written to foreign missions and global regulatory and safety bodies, assuring them it has grounded all 141 pilots suspected of obtaining licences through unfair means, a PIA spokesperson said on Saturday, the report said.

Signed by PIA Chief Executive Officer Arshad Malik, the letter has been sent to all heads of foreign missions in Pakistan as well as international aviation regulators and safety monitoring agencies, the spokesperson said.

Pakistan''s Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar said last week that the government had asked various commercial airlines, flying clubs and charter companies to ground a total of 262 pilots until investigations into their qualifications were completed, it added.

The action was prompted by the preliminary report on the crash of the PIA aircraft in Karachi last month, which found that pilots failed to follow standard procedures.

Global safety and transport bodies expressed concern over the alleged “dubious” licences and said they were looking into the matter.

Malik had also informed the aviation ministry about the flight safety measures. The 262 pilots – 109 commercial and 153 airline transport pilots – were grounded on Friday, pending conclusion of inquiries against them. They included 141 from PIA, nine from Air Blue, 10 from Serene Airline, and 17 from Shaheen Airlines, which has closed down, the report said.

The aviation minister said the move to ground the pilots would help allay global concerns and show that wrongdoing had been corrected. He added that five officials of the aviation authority were also suspended for abetting the suspected pilots.

The investigations into pilots'' qualifications began after a 2018 crash landing in which it was found that the test date on the licence of the pilot involved had been a holiday – suggesting it was fake as testing could not have taken place on that day.

That led to 16 PIA pilots being grounded in early 2019.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires pilots to pass all eight papers to become fully qualified, after completing at least 1,500 hours'' commercial flying time. The minister said 28 of the pilots had already been found to have obtained academic degrees illegitimately, the report added.

On May 22, the domestic flight from Lahore to Karachi crashed in a residential area near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

The Airbus A320 aircraft of the national carrier had 91 passengers and a crew of eight when it crashed into the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir, minutes before its landing. One girl died on the ground after suffering burn injuries. Two passengers miraculously survived the crash.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Several international airlines, including Qatar Airways, have initiated a probe against Pakistani employees and grounded them till further notice after authorities here reported that as many as 262 pilots were holding fake licences, a media report has said.

Several international airlines, including Qatar Airways, have initiated a probe against Pakistani employees and grounded them till further notice after authorities here reported that as many as 262 pilots were holding fake licences, a media report has said. Last week, cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) grounded 150 pilots with "dubious licenses" after the preliminary probe report of the Karachi plane crash on May 22 blamed the pilots and the air traffic control for the tragedy that killed 97 people. Also read | UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears The Express Tribune, quoting sources reported on Sunday that Kuwait Air has grounded seven Pakistani pilots and 56 engineers, while Qatar Airways, Oman Air and Vietnam Airlines have compiled lists of Pakistani pilots, engineers and ground-handling staff. They said the employees whose names are on the lists will remain grounded till a report is received from the Pakistani authorities, it added. The national flag carrier has written to foreign missions and global regulatory and safety bodies, assuring them it has grounded all 141 pilots suspected of obtaining licences through unfair means, a PIA spokesperson said on Saturday, the report said. Signed by PIA Chief Executive Officer Arshad Malik, the letter has been sent to all heads of foreign missions in Pakistan as well as international aviation regulators and safety monitoring agencies, the spokesperson said. Pakistan''s Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar said last week that the government had asked various commercial airlines, flying clubs and charter companies to ground a total of 262 pilots until investigations into their qualifications were completed, it added. The action was prompted by the preliminary report on the crash of the PIA aircraft in Karachi last month, which found that pilots failed to follow standard procedures. Global safety and transport bodies expressed concern over the alleged “dubious” licences and said they were looking into the matter. Malik had also informed the aviation ministry about the flight safety measures. The 262 pilots – 109 commercial and 153 airline transport pilots – were grounded on Friday, pending conclusion of inquiries against them. They included 141 from PIA, nine from Air Blue, 10 from Serene Airline, and 17 from Shaheen Airlines, which has closed down, the report said. The aviation minister said the move to ground the pilots would help allay global concerns and show that wrongdoing had been corrected. He added that five officials of the aviation authority were also suspended for abetting the suspected pilots. The investigations into pilots'' qualifications began after a 2018 crash landing in which it was found that the test date on the licence of the pilot involved had been a holiday – suggesting it was fake as testing could not have taken place on that day. That led to 16 PIA pilots being grounded in early 2019. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires pilots to pass all eight papers to become fully qualified, after completing at least 1,500 hours'' commercial flying time. The minister said 28 of the pilots had already been found to have obtained academic degrees illegitimately, the report added. On May 22, the domestic flight from Lahore to Karachi crashed in a residential area near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The Airbus A320 aircraft of the national carrier had 91 passengers and a crew of eight when it crashed into the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir, minutes before its landing. One girl died on the ground after suffering burn injuries. Two passengers miraculously survived the crash.

Several international airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'fake licences'

Pakistan's national carrier has written to foreign missions and regulatory bodies to inform them it has grounded 141 pilots suspected of obtaining licenses through unfair means in a bid to allay global concerns over the issue,officials said on Saturday.

The issue of commercial pilots possessing dubious licences came to light after the preliminary probe report of the Karachi plane crash blamed the pilots and the air traffic control for the tragedy that killed 97 people.

Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan disclosed in the National Assembly on Wednesday that a large number of commercial pilots possessed ?dubious licences'.

After the severe backlash, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) moved into action and wrote to foreign missions and regulatory bodies.

A PIA official said that letters signed by PIA Chief Executive Arshad Malik were sent to all heads of foreign missions and international aviation regulators to assuage the fears of the global community.

Malik informed the international community that 141 suspected pilots were grounded and PIA was following international protocols to ensure safety, according to the official.

Pakistan's national carrier has written to foreign missions and regulatory bodies to inform them it has grounded 141 pilots suspected of obtaining licenses through unfair means in a bid to allay global concerns over the issue,officials said on Saturday.

Pakistan's national carrier has written to foreign missions and regulatory bodies to inform them it has grounded 141 pilots suspected of obtaining licenses through unfair means in a bid to allay global concerns over the issue,officials said on Saturday. The issue of commercial pilots possessing dubious licences came to light after the preliminary probe report of the Karachi plane crash blamed the pilots and the air traffic control for the tragedy that killed 97 people. Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan disclosed in the National Assembly on Wednesday that a large number of commercial pilots possessed ?dubious licences'. After the severe backlash, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) moved into action and wrote to foreign missions and regulatory bodies. A PIA official said that letters signed by PIA Chief Executive Arshad Malik were sent to all heads of foreign missions and international aviation regulators to assuage the fears of the global community. Malik informed the international community that 141 suspected pilots were grounded and PIA was following international protocols to ensure safety, according to the official.

PIA tries to allay global concerns over pilot licences

The Pakistan government has allowed resumption of international flight operations to and from all international airports in the country, except Gwadar and Turbat airports, from Saturday.

Spokesman for the Aviation Division Abdul Sattar Khokhar said in a statement on Friday that the permission for international flight operations would be subject to restrictions and limitations as decided by the competent authority from time to time in the light of the current COVID-19 situation and implementation of health protocols, reports Dawn news.

Additionally, cargo, special and diplomatic flights would continue to be authorised as per procedure in vogue, the spokesman said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-spy-drone-carrying-weapons-shot-down-by-bsf-at-jammu-and-kashmirs-kathua-307250">Also read: Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons shot down by BSF at Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua</a>

Adherence to the relevant applicable standard operating procedures would be mandatory for all airline operators, he said.

The government on Wednesday had announced a new policy for inbound passengers with a resolve to transport approximately 200,000 people within a month.

The implementation of the new policy will start from Saturday which the government said would bring significant enhancement in the capacity to bring back stranded Pakistanis from across the world.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Pakistan government has allowed resumption of international flight operations to and from all international airports in the country, except Gwadar and Turbat airports, from Saturday.

The Pakistan government has allowed resumption of international flight operations to and from all international airports in the country, except Gwadar and Turbat airports, from Saturday. Spokesman for the Aviation Division Abdul Sattar Khokhar said in a statement on Friday that the permission for international flight operations would be subject to restrictions and limitations as decided by the competent authority from time to time in the light of the current COVID-19 situation and implementation of health protocols, reports Dawn news. Additionally, cargo, special and diplomatic flights would continue to be authorised as per procedure in vogue, the spokesman said. Also read: Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons shot down by BSF at Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua Adherence to the relevant applicable standard operating procedures would be mandatory for all airline operators, he said. The government on Wednesday had announced a new policy for inbound passengers with a resolve to transport approximately 200,000 people within a month. The implementation of the new policy will start from Saturday which the government said would bring significant enhancement in the capacity to bring back stranded Pakistanis from across the world. (With inputs from PTI)

Pak to resume international flights from today

The Pakistan government has formed a joint investigation team to step up the pace of the probe into last month's crash of a PIA aircraft in Karachi that killed 98 people. 
&nbsp;

The joint investigation team (JIT) was constituted on Friday, comprising officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), to probe the accident involving an aircraft of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The accident was one of the worst in Pakistan's aviation history.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-pia-pilots-ignored-warnings-from-controller-before-crash-303209">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan: PIA pilots ignored warnings from controller before crash</a>

"The three-member JIT headed by FIA Immigration Lahore Additional Director Imran Yaqoob, is tasked to finalise the matter on top priority and submit the report to the government at the earliest," an FIA official told PTI.

The official said the JIT has been constituted in compliance with the Senate Committee on Interior which took note of the plane crash and asked the government to constitute a high-power committee.

A four-member team of the Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) led by Air Commodore Muhammad Usman Ghani has already been investigating the crash of Flight PK-8303.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-investigators-to-start-decoding-black-box-of-crashed-craft-from-june-02-in-france-302136">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France</a>

Besides, a French team also visited Pakistan to conduct an independent probe and collected evidence from the crash site as well as inspected the runway.

The Pakistan government has said that it will make the preliminary report of the AAIB team public on June 22. 
The PIA Airbus A-320 aircraft, with 99 people on board, crashed in the Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on May 22, killing 97 people. Two passengers miraculously survived.

A 13-year-old girl who was injured on the ground later succumbed to her injuries, taking the death toll in the incident to 98.

The Senate Committee has recommended that the FIA office in Lahore should examine if the engineering branch of the PIA at Lahore was being maintained as per the given international standards and how many times the small components of the aircraft involved in the accident had been made/repaired from local companies/workshops.

The Committee said it was felt that the maintenance system of aircraft had been deteriorating day by day and becoming irresponsible which was visibly noted over the past few tragic incidents.

"All aircraft of PIA should be retested, overhauled and the maintenance must be done by PIA and the certificates with responsibility be given before bringing the aircraft on the runway to avoid such incidents in future, following internationally acknowledged air safety rules to make Pakistani airspace safest for flying," it said.

It also called for a detailed record of the maintenance of the crashed aircraft.

"It is reported that error was being shown on the cockpit of the plane. Who was the authorised officer to sign the clearance certificate of the said plane? Was the clearance certificate also signed by the Captain?&nbsp;This plane remained under dry lease to China and what was its condition when this plane was received back from China?" the Senate Committee questioned.

It further said that Capitan Sajjad Gul, who was operating the flight, made three Mayday calls requesting the ground staff that there was an error in the plane but his three emergency calls for emergency response could not convince the ground staff to respond. "Who was the staff member on the ground who declared the said emergency call as a light one?"

It said that one could visibly see that both engines of the plane were on fire. While the plane successfully reached Karachi, the shutting of both engines of the plane was reported by the pilot. If the engines were shut, how did the engines catch fire?

The committee questioned that if the captain was apprehensive that both engines were shut and landing gear was stuck, then why was he not allowed to belly land immediately after his first call if the facility was available at the Karachi Airport?

This is the first major aircraft crash in Pakistan after December 7, 2016 when a PIA ATR-42 aircraft from Chitral to Islamabad crashed midway. The crash claimed the lives of all 48 passengers and the crew.

The Pakistan government has formed a joint investigation team to step up the pace of the probe into last month's crash of a PIA aircraft in Karachi that killed 98 people.

The Pakistan government has formed a joint investigation team to step up the pace of the probe into last month's crash of a PIA aircraft in Karachi that killed 98 people. The joint investigation team (JIT) was constituted on Friday, comprising officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), to probe the accident involving an aircraft of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The accident was one of the worst in Pakistan's aviation history. Also read| Pakistan: PIA pilots ignored warnings from controller before crash "The three-member JIT headed by FIA Immigration Lahore Additional Director Imran Yaqoob, is tasked to finalise the matter on top priority and submit the report to the government at the earliest," an FIA official told PTI. The official said the JIT has been constituted in compliance with the Senate Committee on Interior which took note of the plane crash and asked the government to constitute a high-power committee. A four-member team of the Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) led by Air Commodore Muhammad Usman Ghani has already been investigating the crash of Flight PK-8303. Also read| Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France Besides, a French team also visited Pakistan to conduct an independent probe and collected evidence from the crash site as well as inspected the runway. The Pakistan government has said that it will make the preliminary report of the AAIB team public on June 22. The PIA Airbus A-320 aircraft, with 99 people on board, crashed in the Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on May 22, killing 97 people. Two passengers miraculously survived. A 13-year-old girl who was injured on the ground later succumbed to her injuries, taking the death toll in the incident to 98. The Senate Committee has recommended that the FIA office in Lahore should examine if the engineering branch of the PIA at Lahore was being maintained as per the given international standards and how many times the small components of the aircraft involved in the accident had been made/repaired from local companies/workshops. The Committee said it was felt that the maintenance system of aircraft had been deteriorating day by day and becoming irresponsible which was visibly noted over the past few tragic incidents. "All aircraft of PIA should be retested, overhauled and the maintenance must be done by PIA and the certificates with responsibility be given before bringing the aircraft on the runway to avoid such incidents in future, following internationally acknowledged air safety rules to make Pakistani airspace safest for flying," it said. It also called for a detailed record of the maintenance of the crashed aircraft. "It is reported that error was being shown on the cockpit of the plane. Who was the authorised officer to sign the clearance certificate of the said plane? Was the clearance certificate also signed by the Captain? This plane remained under dry lease to China and what was its condition when this plane was received back from China?" the Senate Committee questioned. It further said that Capitan Sajjad Gul, who was operating the flight, made three Mayday calls requesting the ground staff that there was an error in the plane but his three emergency calls for emergency response could not convince the ground staff to respond. "Who was the staff member on the ground who declared the said emergency call as a light one?" It said that one could visibly see that both engines of the plane were on fire. While the plane successfully reached Karachi, the shutting of both engines of the plane was reported by the pilot. If the engines were shut, how did the engines catch fire? The committee questioned that if the captain was apprehensive that both engines were shut and landing gear was stuck, then why was he not allowed to belly land immediately after his first call if the facility was available at the Karachi Airport? This is the first major aircraft crash in Pakistan after December 7, 2016 when a PIA ATR-42 aircraft from Chitral to Islamabad crashed midway. The crash claimed the lives of all 48 passengers and the crew.

Pakistan government forms joint investigation team to probe PIA plane crash

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered aviation authorities to restructure the cash-strapped national flag carrier PIA which is making losses worth USD 3.68 million per month, according to an official statement.

Khan said this while presiding over a meeting on the aviation sector on Monday in the backdrop of the recent Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash in Karachi that claimed 98 lives.

"Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country''s economy is facing difficulties and the people have had to bear the burden of billions of rupees loss on a monthly basis suffered by the state-owned entities," he said.

PIA’s Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik gave a detailed briefing on the prevailing situation of the PIA, saying that it was suffering a loss of USD 3.68 million per month.

Malik said USD 14 million was being spent yearly on the payment of salaries to the PIA’s 14,500 employees alone.

He said litigation was one of the hurdles in the way of reform of the PIA as employees seek court orders to stay reforms and the legal processes linger on for years.

Malik said that he too could not perform his duties for three months out of his 16 months tenure due to a case against his appointment. “Due to such issues, the reforms process in the organisation has badly suffered,” he added.

The prime minister was also apprised that during the last 12 years, the PIA had 10 chiefs.

According to an official press release, the prime minister asked the PIA to bring down the expenditures and focus on increasing its income and upgrading its fleet.

He also directed to utilise the huge domestic and foreign assets of the PIA through a complete transparent and clear manner.

“The assets should create financial resources for the organisation instead of becoming a burden on the general public,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Adviser on Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, Special Assistant retired Lt Gen Asim Salim Bajwa and other senior officials.

A timeline for the restructuring of the PIA and a comprehensive roadmap over reforms and implementation was also submitted before the prime minister.

It was the first meeting on aviation after the recent PIA plane crash in Karachi and the CEO also apprised about the progress about the investigation into the crash and other relevant issues.

The PIA has been running into huge financial losses. For years, the airlines has only been adding billions to its loss sheets.

The PIA faced a huge loss worth Rs 180 million (USD 1.1 million) during 2016-27, according to Pakistani media reports.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered aviation authorities to restructure the cash-strapped national flag carrier PIA which is making losses worth USD 3.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered aviation authorities to restructure the cash-strapped national flag carrier PIA which is making losses worth USD 3.68 million per month, according to an official statement. Khan said this while presiding over a meeting on the aviation sector on Monday in the backdrop of the recent Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash in Karachi that claimed 98 lives. "Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country''s economy is facing difficulties and the people have had to bear the burden of billions of rupees loss on a monthly basis suffered by the state-owned entities," he said. PIA’s Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik gave a detailed briefing on the prevailing situation of the PIA, saying that it was suffering a loss of USD 3.68 million per month. Malik said USD 14 million was being spent yearly on the payment of salaries to the PIA’s 14,500 employees alone. He said litigation was one of the hurdles in the way of reform of the PIA as employees seek court orders to stay reforms and the legal processes linger on for years. Malik said that he too could not perform his duties for three months out of his 16 months tenure due to a case against his appointment. “Due to such issues, the reforms process in the organisation has badly suffered,” he added. The prime minister was also apprised that during the last 12 years, the PIA had 10 chiefs. According to an official press release, the prime minister asked the PIA to bring down the expenditures and focus on increasing its income and upgrading its fleet. He also directed to utilise the huge domestic and foreign assets of the PIA through a complete transparent and clear manner. “The assets should create financial resources for the organisation instead of becoming a burden on the general public,” he said. The meeting was attended by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Adviser on Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, Special Assistant retired Lt Gen Asim Salim Bajwa and other senior officials. A timeline for the restructuring of the PIA and a comprehensive roadmap over reforms and implementation was also submitted before the prime minister. It was the first meeting on aviation after the recent PIA plane crash in Karachi and the CEO also apprised about the progress about the investigation into the crash and other relevant issues. The PIA has been running into huge financial losses. For years, the airlines has only been adding billions to its loss sheets. The PIA faced a huge loss worth Rs 180 million (USD 1.1 million) during 2016-27, according to Pakistani media reports.

Imran Khan orders reforms in Pakistan International Airlines to bring down losses

Pakistani aviation authorities have revealed that the&nbsp;pilots of the Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) aircraft, that&nbsp;crashed into a residential district of Karachi last month, had ignored air traffic control`s instructions for landing.

In a letter sent to PIA, the Civil Aviation Authority said an approach controller warned the pilot twice to discontinue its current approach, but the pilot did not pay heed to the orders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-investigators-to-start-decoding-black-box-of-crashed-craft-from-june-02-in-france-302136">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France</a>

Initial reports suggested the plane scraped its engines along the runway on a first attempt to land following what appeared to be an unstable approach, arriving steep and fast.

As the passenger plane&nbsp;came close to landing, the plane's ground speed was more than the runway threshold, according to the controller. The plane lifted from the runway surface and crashed into the residential colony, while attempting a second approach.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/black-box-recovered-from-pakistan-airplane-crash-site-300652">Also read:&nbsp;Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site</a>

The flight had been observed as being high for approach as it passed Makli, about 100 km east of Karachi. The pilot was warned twice, but he continued with the descent by claiming he was comfortable with it.

The PIA Airbus A320 crashed in Karachi on May 22 while landing, and the pilots reported loss of both engines.&nbsp;Ninety seven people on board were killed;&nbsp;two survived. At least one person was reported to have died on the ground, and several other were injured.

The black box found from the crash site is being decoded by&nbsp;French air accident agency BEA.

Pakistani aviation authorities have revealed that the pilots of the Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) aircraft, that crashed into a residential district of Karachi last month, had ignored air traffic control`s instructions for landing.

Pakistani aviation authorities have revealed that the pilots of the Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) aircraft, that crashed into a residential district of Karachi last month, had ignored air traffic control`s instructions for landing. In a letter sent to PIA, the Civil Aviation Authority said an approach controller warned the pilot twice to discontinue its current approach, but the pilot did not pay heed to the orders. Also read: Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France Initial reports suggested the plane scraped its engines along the runway on a first attempt to land following what appeared to be an unstable approach, arriving steep and fast. As the passenger plane came close to landing, the plane's ground speed was more than the runway threshold, according to the controller. The plane lifted from the runway surface and crashed into the residential colony, while attempting a second approach. Also read: Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site The flight had been observed as being high for approach as it passed Makli, about 100 km east of Karachi. The pilot was warned twice, but he continued with the descent by claiming he was comfortable with it. The PIA Airbus A320 crashed in Karachi on May 22 while landing, and the pilots reported loss of both engines. Ninety seven people on board were killed; two survived. At least one person was reported to have died on the ground, and several other were injured. The black box found from the crash site is being decoded by French air accident agency BEA.

Pakistan: PIA pilots ignored warnings from controller before crash

The investigation on the voice recorders found in the crashed Pakistan flight's cockpit will commence from June 2 in France, the French aviation investigation authority has said.

The crash killed 97 people in total, including 90 passengers and a crew of eight, when it crashed into the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir on Friday, minutes before its landing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rs-30-million-cash-found-from-wreckage-of-crashed-aircraft-301787">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan: Rs 30 million cash found from wreckage of crashed aircraft</a>

The investigation of the crashed Airbus A320 aircraft, of the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), will be done by&nbsp;an 11-member team of experts from an Airbus facility in the French city of Toulouse. The team arrived in Pakistan last week to conduct an independent probe into the crash involving its aircraft.&nbsp; The team&nbsp;includes experts from France, Germany, the UK and other countries.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
(1/2) ⚠️ Accident <a href="https://twitter.com/Airbus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Airbus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/A320?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#A320</a> AP-BLD <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_PIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Official_PIA</a> / the mission on site is about to be completed / <a href="https://twitter.com/BEA_Aero?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BEA_Aero</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Airbus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Airbus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SafranEngines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SafranEngines</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CFM_engines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CFM_engines</a> &amp; Pakistan’s AAIB team will then fly to France.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIA8303?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIA8303</a> <a href="https://t.co/IMKOUC4xLH">pic.twitter.com/IMKOUC4xLH</a>
— BEA ✈️ 🚁🛩 🇫🇷 (@BEA_Aero) <a href="https://twitter.com/BEA_Aero/status/1266630137258430465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The flight data recorder (FDR) records time, altitude, airspeed, heading, and aircraft attitude and other in-flight characteristics. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) records the audio environment in the flight deck, and is useful in cases of accidents and incident investigation purposes.&nbsp;It records and stores the audio signals of the microphones and earphones of the pilots' headsets and of an area microphone installed in the cockpit, which helps the investigators figure out the cause and happenings of the crash.

The BEA said that Pakistan's Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) team will fly to France after the work on the crash site is completed. "The mission on site is about to be completed. @BEA_Aero @Airbus @SafranEngines @CFM_engines &amp; Pakistan's AAIB team will then fly to France," it said in the tweet.

The investigation team, which reached Karachi on May 26, was to return after two days. However, as the team was unable to gather key evidence, the team extended their stay and conducted a forensic&nbsp;examination of the aircraft wreckage.

They also collected different parts of the plane that would help in identifying the cause of the crash.

The team also visited&nbsp;the radar centre at the Jinnah International Airport and the control tower to review the conditions, and collected parts of the crashed structure that can help them in investigating.

The investigation on the voice recorders found in the crashed Pakistan flight's cockpit will commence from June 2 in France, the French aviation investigation authority has said.

The investigation on the voice recorders found in the crashed Pakistan flight's cockpit will commence from June 2 in France, the French aviation investigation authority has said. The crash killed 97 people in total, including 90 passengers and a crew of eight, when it crashed into the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir on Friday, minutes before its landing. Also read| Pakistan: Rs 30 million cash found from wreckage of crashed aircraft The investigation of the crashed Airbus A320 aircraft, of the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), will be done by an 11-member team of experts from an Airbus facility in the French city of Toulouse. The team arrived in Pakistan last week to conduct an independent probe into the crash involving its aircraft. The team includes experts from France, Germany, the UK and other countries. (1/2) ⚠️ Accident @Airbus #A320 AP-BLD @Official_PIA / the mission on site is about to be completed / @BEA_Aero @Airbus @SafranEngines @CFM_engines & Pakistan’s AAIB team will then fly to France.#PIA8303 pic.twitter.com/IMKOUC4xLH — BEA ✈️ 🚁🛩 🇫🇷 (@BEA_Aero) May 30, 2020 × The flight data recorder (FDR) records time, altitude, airspeed, heading, and aircraft attitude and other in-flight characteristics. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) records the audio environment in the flight deck, and is useful in cases of accidents and incident investigation purposes. It records and stores the audio signals of the microphones and earphones of the pilots' headsets and of an area microphone installed in the cockpit, which helps the investigators figure out the cause and happenings of the crash. The BEA said that Pakistan's Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) team will fly to France after the work on the crash site is completed. "The mission on site is about to be completed. @BEA_Aero @Airbus @SafranEngines @CFM_engines & Pakistan's AAIB team will then fly to France," it said in the tweet. The investigation team, which reached Karachi on May 26, was to return after two days. However, as the team was unable to gather key evidence, the team extended their stay and conducted a forensic examination of the aircraft wreckage. They also collected different parts of the plane that would help in identifying the cause of the crash. The team also visited the radar centre at the Jinnah International Airport and the control tower to review the conditions, and collected parts of the crashed structure that can help them in investigating.

Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France

Pakistan's search teams have recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage of a PIA airliner that crashed last week killing 97 onboard, as per airliner's spokesman.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/97-dead-2-survivors-from-pakistan-plane-crash-health-ministry-300501" hreflang="en">97 dead, 2 survivors from Pakistan plane crash: Health ministry</a>

"The search resumed this morning and the voice recorder was found buried in the debris," spokesman Abdullah H. Khan said in a statement. "The cockpit voice recorder recovery will help a lot in the investigation."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-airways-flight-crashes-in-residential-area-in-karachi-at-least-40-dead-300405" hreflang="en">Pakistan airways flight crashes in residential area in Karachi; at least 40 dead</a>

On Friday, Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the plane. The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

"97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with the assistance of Civil Administration," said Major General Babar Iftikhar. Officials also stated that no houses were hit, and nobody on the ground lost their lives due to the crash.

Earlier, an audio conversation between the pilot and the air traffic control was also recovered, in which the pilot told the controllers about the engines failing.

"[The pilot] had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go-around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost", said PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Pakistan's search teams have recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage of a PIA airliner that crashed last week killing 97 onboard, as per airliner's spokesman.

Pakistan's search teams have recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage of a PIA airliner that crashed last week killing 97 onboard, as per airliner's spokesman. Also read: 97 dead, 2 survivors from Pakistan plane crash: Health ministry "The search resumed this morning and the voice recorder was found buried in the debris," spokesman Abdullah H. Khan said in a statement. "The cockpit voice recorder recovery will help a lot in the investigation." Also read: Pakistan airways flight crashes in residential area in Karachi; at least 40 dead On Friday, Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the plane. The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan. "97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with the assistance of Civil Administration," said Major General Babar Iftikhar. Officials also stated that no houses were hit, and nobody on the ground lost their lives due to the crash. Earlier, an audio conversation between the pilot and the air traffic control was also recovered, in which the pilot told the controllers about the engines failing. "[The pilot] had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go-around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost", said PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Pakistan's search team retrieves cockpit voice recorder from wreckage of crashed airliner

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday.

The&nbsp;data recorder&nbsp;was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/97-dead-2-survived-in-pakistan-plane-crash-official-says-300526">Also watch:&nbsp;97 dead, 2 survived in Pakistan plane crash, official says</a>

The crash claimed lives of&nbsp;at least 97 people, including crew members.

"97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with the assistance of Civil Administration," said&nbsp;Major General Babar Iftikhar. Officials also stated that no houses were hit, and nobody on the ground lost their lives due to the crash.

Earlier, an audio conversation between the pilot and the air traffic control was also recovered, in which the pilot told the controllers about the engines failing.

"[The pilot] had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go-around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost," said&nbsp;PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday. The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday. The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan. Also watch: 97 dead, 2 survived in Pakistan plane crash, official says The crash claimed lives of at least 97 people, including crew members. "97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with the assistance of Civil Administration," said Major General Babar Iftikhar. Officials also stated that no houses were hit, and nobody on the ground lost their lives due to the crash. Earlier, an audio conversation between the pilot and the air traffic control was also recovered, in which the pilot told the controllers about the engines failing. "[The pilot] had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go-around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost," said PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-pakistanis-killed-in-retaliatory-fire-across-loc-in-last-few-days-indian-army-190995&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjn9vag4fTfAhWYZt4KHXqMByQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ep70_KxuhC-bsOK3ZS7Qo">Pakistan </a>International Airlines has banned in-flight entertainment for pilgrims travelling to Jeddah and Madina and will only play Quranic verses and naats for them, an official of the national carrier said Thursday.

The decision was taken "in light of the peoples' sentiments," PIA spokesman Mashhood Tajawar told PTI.

Cash-strapped PIA has been running into huge financial losses. Its current liabilities stand at Rs 431 billion.

For years, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lose-weight-or-face-the-axe-pakistan-international-airline-tells-obese-cabin-crew-188548&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiAjre84fTfAhUWEnIKHSi6C-wQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1w7uJwib6aXuR08RNRPb1s">airline</a> with 18,000 plus employee and a fleet of 32 aeroplanes have only been adding billions to its loss sheets.

"The decision to play Quranic verses and naats (recitation of poetry praising the Prophet) during taxing and landing for flights to Jeddah and Madina has been taken in light of the peoples' sentiments," Tajawar said.

No other music will be available in the in-flight entertainment system, he said, adding that the impression that the PIA has banned music on all routes is incorrect.

"This is only for Jeddah and Madina as the people go there on a holy journey. Therefore playing music/songs on these routes is not appropriate," Tajwar said, adding passengers of other flights will have access to the in-flight entertainment system available on the aircraft.

The PIA has also decided to welcome passengers on board with the Qaseeda Burda Sharif (Islamic hymn) playing in the background instead of soft music.

"A rendition of the Qaseeda Burda Sharif, a popular Islamic hymn, will be played while passengers board PIA aeroplanes for all domestic and international flights," Tajwar said.&nbsp;

The Pakistan International Airlines has banned in-flight entertainment for pilgrims travelling to Jeddah and Madina and will only play Quranic verses and naats for them, an official of the national carrier said Thursday.

The Pakistan International Airlines has banned in-flight entertainment for pilgrims travelling to Jeddah and Madina and will only play Quranic verses and naats for them, an official of the national carrier said Thursday. The decision was taken "in light of the peoples' sentiments," PIA spokesman Mashhood Tajawar told PTI. Cash-strapped PIA has been running into huge financial losses. Its current liabilities stand at Rs 431 billion. For years, the airline with 18,000 plus employee and a fleet of 32 aeroplanes have only been adding billions to its loss sheets. "The decision to play Quranic verses and naats (recitation of poetry praising the Prophet) during taxing and landing for flights to Jeddah and Madina has been taken in light of the peoples' sentiments," Tajawar said. No other music will be available in the in-flight entertainment system, he said, adding that the impression that the PIA has banned music on all routes is incorrect. "This is only for Jeddah and Madina as the people go there on a holy journey. Therefore playing music/songs on these routes is not appropriate," Tajwar said, adding passengers of other flights will have access to the in-flight entertainment system available on the aircraft. The PIA has also decided to welcome passengers on board with the Qaseeda Burda Sharif (Islamic hymn) playing in the background instead of soft music. "A rendition of the Qaseeda Burda Sharif, a popular Islamic hymn, will be played while passengers board PIA aeroplanes for all domestic and international flights," Tajwar said.

Pak national carrier PIA bans entertainment on flights to Saudi Arabia

Pakistan's flag carrier PIA has asked some of its cabin crew with "excess weight" to shed some kilos within six months or risk being grounded, in a bid to make them "slim, smart and fit", a media report said.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) also issued a suggested weight chart for differing heights and body types, The Express Tribune reported.

Those already "on weight check" need to report monthly to a "grooming cell" to receive clearance to fly, it said.

The carrier's general manager of flight services Aamir Bashir issued an order on the first day of 2019, saying official excess weight limits would be cut back by five pounds (2.26 kgs) a month, the report said.

In a memo distributed to approximately 1,800 cabin crew, PIA said they must trim down or face being grounded, the report said.

The airline said it is cracking down on what it terms the "excess weight" of some of its cabin crew.

Currently, flight attendants, who are 30 pounds (13.6 kgs) over are still eligible for flight duty, the report said.

According to the airline's weight chart, for a "medium frame" woman of 5 feet 7 inches height (1.7 meters), for example, the guide is 133 to 147 pounds (60 to 66 kgs).

"Weight check of all the cabin crew will be carried out at their base stations respectively and comprehensive data will be maintained for perusal of management," the news report quoted the memo as saying.

Around 100, over 5 per cent, of the crew would need to lose weight by July 1 to avoid grounding, Mashhood Tajwar, a PIA spokesman was quoted as saying in the report.

He described the crackdown on overweight flight crew as a "regular, routine matter," and suggested that the memo was issued as standards for weight had lapsed over time.

It was issued to ensure that the flight attendants were "slim, smart and fit", Tajwar said.

"No one would like to have shabby crew in the aircraft," he said, adding that PIA had received complaints about "obese" flight attendants.

Tajwar said the initiative was put in place for reasons of appearance and health, and insisted that PIA was not alone in insisting their cabin crews hit weight targets, the report added.

PIA has been in losses for years but successive governments have failed to improve its financial situation.

Its accumulated losses surged to Rs 36,000 crore by the end of June last year, which, according to the finance ministry, speaks volumes about the persistently deteriorating performance of the carrier.

Pakistan's flag carrier PIA has asked some of its cabin crew with "excess weight" to shed some kilos within six months or risk being grounded, in a bid to make them "slim, smart and fit", a media report said.

Pakistan's flag carrier PIA has asked some of its cabin crew with "excess weight" to shed some kilos within six months or risk being grounded, in a bid to make them "slim, smart and fit", a media report said. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) also issued a suggested weight chart for differing heights and body types, The Express Tribune reported. Those already "on weight check" need to report monthly to a "grooming cell" to receive clearance to fly, it said. The carrier's general manager of flight services Aamir Bashir issued an order on the first day of 2019, saying official excess weight limits would be cut back by five pounds (2.26 kgs) a month, the report said. In a memo distributed to approximately 1,800 cabin crew, PIA said they must trim down or face being grounded, the report said. The airline said it is cracking down on what it terms the "excess weight" of some of its cabin crew. Currently, flight attendants, who are 30 pounds (13.6 kgs) over are still eligible for flight duty, the report said. According to the airline's weight chart, for a "medium frame" woman of 5 feet 7 inches height (1.7 meters), for example, the guide is 133 to 147 pounds (60 to 66 kgs). "Weight check of all the cabin crew will be carried out at their base stations respectively and comprehensive data will be maintained for perusal of management," the news report quoted the memo as saying. Around 100, over 5 per cent, of the crew would need to lose weight by July 1 to avoid grounding, Mashhood Tajwar, a PIA spokesman was quoted as saying in the report. He described the crackdown on overweight flight crew as a "regular, routine matter," and suggested that the memo was issued as standards for weight had lapsed over time. It was issued to ensure that the flight attendants were "slim, smart and fit", Tajwar said. "No one would like to have shabby crew in the aircraft," he said, adding that PIA had received complaints about "obese" flight attendants. Tajwar said the initiative was put in place for reasons of appearance and health, and insisted that PIA was not alone in insisting their cabin crews hit weight targets, the report added. PIA has been in losses for years but successive governments have failed to improve its financial situation. Its accumulated losses surged to Rs 36,000 crore by the end of June last year, which, according to the finance ministry, speaks volumes about the persistently deteriorating performance of the carrier.

Lose weight or face the axe: Pakistan International Airlines tells 'obese' cabin crew

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-detains-member-of-british-house-of-lords-at-islamabad-airport-187159">Pakistan's national carrier</a> has terminated the contracts of over 50 employees, including seven pilots after they were found guilty of holding fake degrees. 
&nbsp; 
The directives were issued in view of the proceedings of Pakistan's Supreme Court against pilots and cabin crews with fake degrees and certificates.

"Action has been taken against the PIA employees after the respective educational institutions found their degrees bogus/fake," a statement issued by Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson Mashood Tajwar said that a probe has been initiated into the cases of all staffers who were hired holding sham degrees.

The CAA said that degree verification of another 400 PIA employees is underway.&nbsp;

Director General of CAA Hassan Baig has also issued directives to suspend the licenses of all those pilots and cabin crews who have not yet submitted their degrees and certificates.

"Their licenses will remain suspended till they submit their referred documents for verification," Baig said.&nbsp;

The CAA had revealed before a Supreme Court bench this week that academic credentials of seven pilots of the PIA had been found to be bogus.

The bench was hearing a matter relating to the verification of degrees of pilots and other staff of the PIA.&nbsp;

The directives were issued in view of the proceedings of Pakistan's Supreme Court against pilots and cabin crews with fake degrees and certificates.

Pakistan's national carrier has terminated the contracts of over 50 employees, including seven pilots after they were found guilty of holding fake degrees. The directives were issued in view of the proceedings of Pakistan's Supreme Court against pilots and cabin crews with fake degrees and certificates. "Action has been taken against the PIA employees after the respective educational institutions found their degrees bogus/fake," a statement issued by Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson Mashood Tajwar said that a probe has been initiated into the cases of all staffers who were hired holding sham degrees. The CAA said that degree verification of another 400 PIA employees is underway. Director General of CAA Hassan Baig has also issued directives to suspend the licenses of all those pilots and cabin crews who have not yet submitted their degrees and certificates. "Their licenses will remain suspended till they submit their referred documents for verification," Baig said. The CAA had revealed before a Supreme Court bench this week that academic credentials of seven pilots of the PIA had been found to be bogus. The bench was hearing a matter relating to the verification of degrees of pilots and other staff of the PIA.

Pakistan's national carrier sacks 50 employees for holding fake degrees

Pakistan is set to launch five new airlines in its aviation industry in the next one year as competition intensifies following an open skies policy which may lead to lower fares and pose challenges to the financially struggling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Afeef Zara, Askari Air, Air Sial, Go Green and Liberty Air are the new airlines set to hit the market. Air traffic had hiked over 40% in the past five years, flying around 20 million passengers, media reports said.

These airlines aim to cover routes Gwadar, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Dalbandin, Parachinar, Muzaffarabad, Bannu, Turbat, Skardu and Chitral. From these routes places like Gwadar, Gilgit-Baltistan and Turbat provided lucrative profit opportunities due to work being carried under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that Pakistan&rsquo;s aviation sector could touch 9% per annum which could continue till 2020 and that these numbers highlighted the open skies policy which could prove lucrative for Pakistan, said reports.&nbsp;

Muhammad Afsar Malik, former additional director of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that Pakistan&rsquo;s domestic air traffic has grown 10%, which is six percentage points higher than the 4% expansion in international air traffic, media reports said.

Malik added airlines were reducing fares to attract customers due to increased competition in the sector, and it was a result of the open-skies policy otherwise ticket prices would have been Rs30,000 instead of Rs10,000.

But PIA&rsquo;s spokesman believed on the contrary and in an emailed response stated private and foreign airlines were focusing on price cuts instead of providing more customer satisfaction.

However, Shaheen Air spokesman said in an email &ldquo;about every player in the aviation chain including airports, airplane manufacturers, jet engine makers, travel agents and service companies turn in healthy profits. Yet, it is one of the enduring ironies that companies that actually move passengers from one place to another, which are a crucial link in the chain, struggle to achieve break even.&rdquo;

He further added that government should rethink the open skies policy as foreign carriers could enter Pakistan&rsquo;s market without any restriction.

Afeef Zara, Askari Air, Air Sial, Go Green and Liberty Air are the new airlines set to hit the market. Air traffic had hiked over 40% in the past five years, flying around 20 million passengers, media reports said

Pakistan is set to launch five new airlines in its aviation industry in the next one year as competition intensifies following an open skies policy which may lead to lower fares and pose challenges to the financially struggling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Afeef Zara, Askari Air, Air Sial, Go Green and Liberty Air are the new airlines set to hit the market. Air traffic had hiked over 40% in the past five years, flying around 20 million passengers, media reports said. These airlines aim to cover routes Gwadar, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Dalbandin, Parachinar, Muzaffarabad, Bannu, Turbat, Skardu and Chitral. From these routes places like Gwadar, Gilgit-Baltistan and Turbat provided lucrative profit opportunities due to work being carried under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that Pakistan’s aviation sector could touch 9% per annum which could continue till 2020 and that these numbers highlighted the open skies policy which could prove lucrative for Pakistan, said reports. Muhammad Afsar Malik, former additional director of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that Pakistan’s domestic air traffic has grown 10%, which is six percentage points higher than the 4% expansion in international air traffic, media reports said. Malik added airlines were reducing fares to attract customers due to increased competition in the sector, and it was a result of the open-skies policy otherwise ticket prices would have been Rs30,000 instead of Rs10,000. But PIA’s spokesman believed on the contrary and in an emailed response stated private and foreign airlines were focusing on price cuts instead of providing more customer satisfaction. However, Shaheen Air spokesman said in an email “about every player in the aviation chain including airports, airplane manufacturers, jet engine makers, travel agents and service companies turn in healthy profits. Yet, it is one of the enduring ironies that companies that actually move passengers from one place to another, which are a crucial link in the chain, struggle to achieve break even.” He further added that government should rethink the open skies policy as foreign carriers could enter Pakistan’s market without any restriction.

Pakistan set to launch five new airlines, PIA in for a loss

A senior pilot of Pakistan&#39;s flag carrier PIA has been taken off duty for allegedly sleeping on a London-bound flight and risking the lives of over 300 passengers by handing over the aircraft to a trainee.

Captain Amir Akhtar Hashmi took a two-and-a-half- hour nap in the business class passenger cabin on April 26 soon after flight PK-785 took off from Islamabad for London, the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1331552">Dawn </a>reported.

A Dawn reporter tweeted the image of the pilot sleeping on the flight.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
FLIGHT or FRIGHT? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIA?src=hash">#PIA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pilot?src=hash">#pilot</a> Capt Amir Hashmi sleeps, leaving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aircraft?src=hash">#aircraft</a> in hands of a trainee by Dawn&#39;s Bhagwandas <a href="https://t.co/RsBItEhrGW">https://t.co/RsBItEhrGW</a> <a href="https://t.co/eO6y7iDPqh">pic.twitter.com/eO6y7iDPqh</a>
&mdash; Shazia Hasan (@HasanShazia) <a href="https://twitter.com/HasanShazia/status/861154469148577793">May 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

The issue would have gone unnoticed, but one of the passengers saw the uniformed pilot sleeping. Upon learning about who he was, the passenger raised the matter with cabin crew and an air hostess registered his complaint.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was initially reluctant to take action against Hashmi, a former president of the highly influential Pakistan Air Lines Pilots Association (PALPA), but later caved in to &quot;pressure from above&quot;.

PIA spokesman Danyal Gilani said Hashmi, who &quot;compromised air safety and put the lives of over 305 passengers on board at risk&quot;, has been taken off from flying duty pending an investigation.

During the journey, Hashmi asked Mohammad Asad Ali to control the flight, while regular first officer Ali Hassan Yazdani sat in the observer&#39;s seat in the cockpit.

Hashmi, an instructor, gets over Rs 100,000 each month to train pilots. He was supposed to train Yazdani during the flight, however, instead of performing his duty, Hashmi went for a quick lie-down, the report said.

Meanwhile, Hashmi told PTI that it was a normal practice that a pilot takes a nap during long-hour flights in the presence of co-pilots.

&quot;It is a wrong allegation that I took a two-and-a-half hour sleep during the flight. I did not sleep during the said flight,&quot; Hashmi clarified.

The flight was carrying over 305 passengers including 293 in the economy class and 12 in the club class.

The development has surfaced at a time when a top PIA official, facing serious allegations of corruption, left the country yesterday after he was given a special exemption by the Interior Ministry to fly abroad for a month even though his name is still on the country&#39;s no-fly list.

Bernd Hildenbrand, the suspended CEO of the national flag carrier is under investigation on charges of corruption amounting to billions of rupees. The Federal Investigation Agency is probing the corruption charges against him.&nbsp;

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

The pilot has been taken off duty for risking the lives of over 300 passengers by handing over the aircraft to a trainee

A senior pilot of Pakistan's flag carrier PIA has been taken off duty for allegedly sleeping on a London-bound flight and risking the lives of over 300 passengers by handing over the aircraft to a trainee. Captain Amir Akhtar Hashmi took a two-and-a-half- hour nap in the business class passenger cabin on April 26 soon after flight PK-785 took off from Islamabad for London, the Dawn reported. A Dawn reporter tweeted the image of the pilot sleeping on the flight. FLIGHT or FRIGHT? #PIA #pilot Capt Amir Hashmi sleeps, leaving #aircraft in hands of a trainee by Dawn's Bhagwandas https://t.co/RsBItEhrGW pic.twitter.com/eO6y7iDPqh — Shazia Hasan (@HasanShazia) May 7, 2017 × The issue would have gone unnoticed, but one of the passengers saw the uniformed pilot sleeping. Upon learning about who he was, the passenger raised the matter with cabin crew and an air hostess registered his complaint. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was initially reluctant to take action against Hashmi, a former president of the highly influential Pakistan Air Lines Pilots Association (PALPA), but later caved in to "pressure from above". PIA spokesman Danyal Gilani said Hashmi, who "compromised air safety and put the lives of over 305 passengers on board at risk", has been taken off from flying duty pending an investigation. During the journey, Hashmi asked Mohammad Asad Ali to control the flight, while regular first officer Ali Hassan Yazdani sat in the observer's seat in the cockpit. Hashmi, an instructor, gets over Rs 100,000 each month to train pilots. He was supposed to train Yazdani during the flight, however, instead of performing his duty, Hashmi went for a quick lie-down, the report said. Meanwhile, Hashmi told PTI that it was a normal practice that a pilot takes a nap during long-hour flights in the presence of co-pilots. "It is a wrong allegation that I took a two-and-a-half hour sleep during the flight. I did not sleep during the said flight," Hashmi clarified. The flight was carrying over 305 passengers including 293 in the economy class and 12 in the club class. The development has surfaced at a time when a top PIA official, facing serious allegations of corruption, left the country yesterday after he was given a special exemption by the Interior Ministry to fly abroad for a month even though his name is still on the country's no-fly list. Bernd Hildenbrand, the suspended CEO of the national flag carrier is under investigation on charges of corruption amounting to billions of rupees. The Federal Investigation Agency is probing the corruption charges against him. (PTI)

Pakistani pilot who slept on London-bound flight taken off duty

Pakistan International Airlines admitted it had overloaded one of its flights to Saudi Arabia with seven additional passengers.

This comes a day after Dawn reported that the cash-strapped national carrier had asked seven passengers to stand in the aisle during the three-hour flight from Karachi, Pakistan, to Medina in Saudi Arabia on January 20.

The national carrier had initially dismissed the report as &quot;false&quot; but had promised to hold an internal probe.&nbsp;

After finding that the flight had 416 passengers instead of the stipulated 409, PIA told the media that it was in the wrong.

A pilot and two other crew members were being disciplined, airline spokesperson&nbsp;Danyal Gillani said.

&quot;Strict action would be taken against anyone found at fault. PIA is committed to ensure the safety of the passengers and cannot allow any incident to happen which compromises safety,&quot; he said.

PIA has been battling concerns about flight safety since a domestic flight crashed in the mountainous Chitral region in December, killing all 47 people on board.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

The airline's admission comes a day after a newspaper reported that seven passengers were asked to stand during a three-hour flight

Pakistan International Airlines admitted it had overloaded one of its flights to Saudi Arabia with seven additional passengers. This comes a day after Dawn reported that the cash-strapped national carrier had asked seven passengers to stand in the aisle during the three-hour flight from Karachi, Pakistan, to Medina in Saudi Arabia on January 20. The national carrier had initially dismissed the report as "false" but had promised to hold an internal probe. After finding that the flight had 416 passengers instead of the stipulated 409, PIA told the media that it was in the wrong. A pilot and two other crew members were being disciplined, airline spokesperson Danyal Gillani said. "Strict action would be taken against anyone found at fault. PIA is committed to ensure the safety of the passengers and cannot allow any incident to happen which compromises safety," he said. PIA has been battling concerns about flight safety since a domestic flight crashed in the mountainous Chitral region in December, killing all 47 people on board. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Pakistani airline admits putting extra passengers on international flight

Pakistan&#39;s national carrier will probe into allegations made by a news report that one of the international flights was carrying extra passengers.

A Dawn report had reported that a January 20 Pakistan International Airlines flight from Karachi to Saudi Arabia was carrying 416 passengers, instead of the stipulated 409.

The report further said seven people were asked to stand in the aisle during the three-hour journey.

But the cash-strapped national carrier has dismissed the claims as &quot;exaggerated and baseless&quot;.

&quot;It is not possible for anyone to travel like that in an aircraft, regardless of the duration of the flight,&quot; PIA spokesperson&nbsp;Danyal Gilani said.

But he said: &quot;The matter pertaining to the travel of more passengers than the booked load...is under investigation,&quot; and the airline had ordered a &quot;thorough probe into it, and all concerned are being questioned&quot;.

&quot;PIA is committed to ensure the safety of the passengers and cannot allow any incident to happen which compromises safety,&quot; he added.

It was the latest embarrassing incident for the airline, considered a global leader until the 1970s but plagued by controversies over recent years and saddled with billions of dollars of debt.

A PIA turboprop built by European manufacturer ATR plummeted into a mountain in a northern region on December 7, bursting into flames and killing all 47 people on board.

The airline was later mocked after its staff were photographed sacrificing a goat on a runway to ward off bad luck.

Domestic flights are often delayed for VIPs while flight employees have been caught smuggling goods ranging from iPhones to narcotics.

In 2013 one of its pilots was jailed for nine months in Britain for being drunk before he was due to fly from Leeds to Islamabad with 156 people on board.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

A Dawn report had said the cash-strapped national carrier made 7 passengers to stand in the aisle during a Karachi to Saudi Arabia trip

Pakistan's national carrier will probe into allegations made by a news report that one of the international flights was carrying extra passengers. A Dawn report had reported that a January 20 Pakistan International Airlines flight from Karachi to Saudi Arabia was carrying 416 passengers, instead of the stipulated 409. The report further said seven people were asked to stand in the aisle during the three-hour journey. But the cash-strapped national carrier has dismissed the claims as "exaggerated and baseless". "It is not possible for anyone to travel like that in an aircraft, regardless of the duration of the flight," PIA spokesperson Danyal Gilani said. But he said: "The matter pertaining to the travel of more passengers than the booked load...is under investigation," and the airline had ordered a "thorough probe into it, and all concerned are being questioned". "PIA is committed to ensure the safety of the passengers and cannot allow any incident to happen which compromises safety," he added. It was the latest embarrassing incident for the airline, considered a global leader until the 1970s but plagued by controversies over recent years and saddled with billions of dollars of debt. A PIA turboprop built by European manufacturer ATR plummeted into a mountain in a northern region on December 7, bursting into flames and killing all 47 people on board. The airline was later mocked after its staff were photographed sacrificing a goat on a runway to ward off bad luck. Domestic flights are often delayed for VIPs while flight employees have been caught smuggling goods ranging from iPhones to narcotics. In 2013 one of its pilots was jailed for nine months in Britain for being drunk before he was due to fly from Leeds to Islamabad with 156 people on board. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Pakistan International Airlines denies passenger overloading report

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled multiple flights after Civil Aviation Authority&rsquo;s (CAA) announced closing of airspace over the country&rsquo;s northern areas on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. 
 
&quot;As per directives of &nbsp;CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), the air space over Northern areas will remain closed on Wednesday.&nbsp;Inconvenience regretted,&quot; PIA spokesperson Danyal Gilani said on Twitter. 
 
Flights to northern areas including Gilgit and Skardu in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir were cancelled.&nbsp; 
 
The move to impose airspace restrictions comes amid escalating tensions with India, Indian news agency PTI said. However, Pakistan daily, the Dawn, pointed out that no reason was given for closure of airspace.&nbsp; 
 
India and Pakistan are at loggerheads with each-other following terror attack on Indian Army base in the Uri sector of Kashmir Valley where 18 soldiers were killed. Four militants involved in the terror strike were also shot dead during one of the worst such raids in over two decades in Kashmir. 
 
A showdown at United Nations General Assembly has also laid bare the tensions between the two nations with both the countries hurling allegations at each other over continuing unrest and human rights violations in Kashmir in India and Balochistan in Pakistan.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Flights to northern areas, including Gilgit and Skardu, in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir were cancelled

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled multiple flights after Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) announced closing of airspace over the country’s northern areas on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. "As per directives of CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), the air space over Northern areas will remain closed on Wednesday. Inconvenience regretted," PIA spokesperson Danyal Gilani said on Twitter. Flights to northern areas including Gilgit and Skardu in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir were cancelled. The move to impose airspace restrictions comes amid escalating tensions with India, Indian news agency PTI said. However, Pakistan daily, the Dawn, pointed out that no reason was given for closure of airspace. India and Pakistan are at loggerheads with each-other following terror attack on Indian Army base in the Uri sector of Kashmir Valley where 18 soldiers were killed. Four militants involved in the terror strike were also shot dead during one of the worst such raids in over two decades in Kashmir. A showdown at United Nations General Assembly has also laid bare the tensions between the two nations with both the countries hurling allegations at each other over continuing unrest and human rights violations in Kashmir in India and Balochistan in Pakistan. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan imposes airspace curbs as tension escalates with India?

Pia, News on Pia, stories on Pia, articles on Pia, Pia stories at Wion, Pia news, Pia latest news