PIA strike termed illegal, causes Rs one billion loss: 59 flights cancelled, 16 delayed

The illegal strike of Pilots and SEAP (Society of Aircraft Engineers) and some other groups of employees has so far affected (59 flights cancelled and 16 flights delayed). The flights, which include domestic and International Destinations, a PIA spokesperson said here on Wednesday.
He said the illegal strike is causing inconvenience to PIA passengers and is also tarnishing the image of the Corporation and country abroad. This has also caused around Rs 1 billion loss to the National Flag Carrier. He reiterated that no agreement or MoU was signed with Turkish Airlines. The statements given by President PALPA are misleading and incorrect.
This has been communicated through media many times and on numerous occasions by Managing Director PIA through communication meetings held with the employees of the Corporation and with Associations including PALPA. How anyone can rescind that which has not taken place, he reiterated. Even Minister for Defence and Chairman PIA, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and high officials of Ministry of Defence and CAA have denied existence of any such agreement inked between PIA and Turkish Airlines.
He further said that MD PIA had also earlier invited all Associations and CBA for discussions and briefing on the proposed code-share with Turkish Airlines. Management is always available for talks and ready to remove the reservations of Associations and Unions.
He said that some elements were trying to create problems in the smooth functioning of the airline. The ongoing strike is supported by outsiders/non-employees who are not allowing the regular employees to continue their work at Islamabad Airport. Seven (07) aircraft are stranded at Islamabad Airport as miscreants have blocked entrance of cockpit and cabin crew into the premises, which has caused consequential delays and cancellation of PIA flights.-PR