KARACHI: Aircraft engineers at Pakistan’s International Airline (PIA) have gone on strike, stopping planes from being cleared for flights. This has partially disrupted flight operations across several airports in the country.
The strike has affected both domestic and international flights. Since 8 PM on Monday, 12 international flights have been delayed or canceled, causing major inconvenience for passengers, including many performing Umrah.
The engineers are protesting because their salaries have not been increased for eight years, there is a shortage of spare parts, and management pressures them to clear planes for flights that may not meet safety rules. They say they cannot risk passenger safety.
In response, the airline’s CEO has ordered strict action against striking engineers. The airline claims the strike is illegal under the Essential Services Act and accuses the engineers of trying to sabotage plans for privatization. The airline is arranging alternative engineering support from other airlines to resume flights soon.
The engineers say they have been protesting peacefully for over two months, wearing black armbands, but management has refused to negotiate.
