Karachi: An unannounced strike by aircraft engineers since Monday night has severely disrupted Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operations, leading to the cancellation of several flights.
At least eight international and numerous domestic flights have been grounded as engineers refused to issue safety clearances, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
PIA has sought assistance from other carriers to provide aircraft engineers in order to resume operations.
PIA official Hafeez Khan said the airline, along with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), would take strict disciplinary action against those responsible for causing disruptions and financial losses.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Society of Airline Engineers Association said the strike would continue until PIA and CAA “improve their attitude” toward aircraft engineers.
In response, a PIA spokesperson claimed the engineers’ association lacks legal recognition and had not issued any prior strike notice. “All their actions are illegal,” the spokesperson said, calling it a pressure tactic to oppose the national carrier’s privatisation. “They have also violated the Essential Services Act,” he added.
