KARACHI: Flight operations of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remained suspended across the country for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday as employees of the national flag carrier continued their protest against the proposed privatization.
The government and PIA’s Joint Action Committee (JAC) could not break the standoff that was triggered after the government pressed ahead with its privatization plan. However, the two sides will have negotiations again today (Saturday), according to sources.
JAC Chairman Sohail Baloch ruled out the reinstatement of flight operation before the logical end to the deadlock, saying, “Flight operation will be restored only after the final result.”
Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will reach Karachi today to show solidarity with PIA protesters and will lead a protest rally in the city.
It should be mentioned here that the first round of negotiations between the government and the PIA employees did not come to fruition. As a result, the flight operation will remain suspended on fifty day today.
At least 27 flights at Islamabad’s Benazir International Airport were cancelled today, as PIA workers gathered at their offices in different countries to resume the protest.
The situation took an ugly turn on Monday when three protesters were killed and several more were wounded in clash with police and Rangers during a widespread agitation at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.
Police and paramilitary Rangers deployed tear gas and water cannon against the protesters after they blocked the main entrance to the Jinnah International Airport around midday.
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