According to sources cited by ARY News, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled a number of domestic and international flights on Thursday due to severe financial difficulties.
Several domestic flights to and from Karachi were cancelled, according to sources with knowledge of the development, because the national flag carrier neglected to pay Pakistan State Oil (PSO) for fuel supply.
Flights from Karachi to Turbat, Gwadar, Quetta, Sukkur, and Multan have all been cancelled.
PIA issues
It is important to note that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is currently experiencing a dire financial crisis, raising questions about its ability to continue operating aeroplanes despite growing debt.
According to information released on Wednesday, Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) bank accounts were opened after a dispute over unpaid taxes was resolved between the national carrier and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Read more about the PIA financial crisis and how international authorities are refusing to cooperate.
The national flag carrier provided written assurance to the tax collection body that all outstanding debts would be paid, and the bank accounts were unblocked as a result.
A spokesperson for FBR stated that PIA will comply with the agreement and pay Rs2.5 billion this month.
Shehbaz Sharif’s previous administration in Pakistan declared its intention to privatise the airline, and last week the country’s caretaker administration gave the go-ahead for the restructuring plan’s completion to the pertinent authorities.
