KARACHI: The Iraqi government has revoked the special permit to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to operate special flight operations from September 27 till October 5, 2020 to Najaf and Baghdad for Arbaeen, due to second wave of covid-19 pandemic in Iraq.

According to PIA, the decision was made by the Iraqi government to minimize the number of pilgrims in Najaf and Karbala in order to maintain social distances during Arbaeen.

Following the said decision, special flights of PIA which were scheduled to start from September 27 have been postponed and all passengers who have made a reservation would be able to get a refund without any deduction, PIA spokesman said.

Needless to mention, the cash-strapped national flag carrier had earlier planned to operate special flights for Arbaeen from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad to Najaf and Baghdad from September 27 till October 5, 2020 with special discounted fares.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020