For Pakistani students studying in China, a one-way ticket now costs nearly Rs. 500,000 thanks to an exponential increase in price by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
According to reports in the media, other airlines have also increased their costs, which now range from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 800,000 for a one-way travel. This has an especially negative impact on students. According to reports, the increase is due to China’s ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
The problem affecting Pakistani students has gained widespread attention in the nation’s mainstream media and on social media. The impacted pupils have also created the popular Twitter hashtag ‘#PIALootingPakStudents’.
A five-hour direct journey on a Boeing 777 from Pakistan to China costs about Rs. 550,000, but the same travel from China to Pakistan costs Rs. 130,000, according to Dr. Asmat Malik, a member of the Pak-China Student Council.
She sought an explanation from the aviation minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, and the chief executive officer of PIA, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Amir Hayat.
Dear PM @CMShehbaz PIA looting passengers. 5 hours direct flight fare charges 550k, Pak to China. Same flight from China to Pakistan 130k, @amarshadmalik @KhSaad_Rafique could you explain this difference. Boeing 777 capacity 300 why you booked 100 seats?#PIALootingPakStudents pic.twitter.com/RPJowoNNSU
— Dr.Asmat Malik (@dr_asmatmalik) September 14, 2022
Remember that before the epidemic, the cost of a one-way ticket to China ranged from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000, thus this enormous price increase has distressed both the kids and their parents.
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