Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a 10 percent fare reduction for domestic flights during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, making it easier and more affordable for travelers to visit other cities within the country on April 22 and 23.
This decision comes in response to Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique’s directive to PIA’s CEO to introduce an Eid-ul-Fitr package, facilitating the return of out-of-town travelers to their homes to celebrate the festival with their loved ones.
The announcement of the fare discount also puts to rest earlier reports of potential disruptions to PIA’s operations due to non-payment of salaries. It had been previously reported that some officers and pilots of the airline had not received their remuneration for March, as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had deducted dues from pending payments.
The FBR’s action had also prompted pilots to consider registering a protest, which could have resulted in flight disruptions across the country and even for international destinations. However, the issue appears to have been resolved, as evidenced by the discounted tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr.
The federal government has also issued a notification confirming that the Eid holidays will be observed from April 21 to April 25. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on the evening of April 20 to gather evidence of the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and announce the exact day of Eid.
Meanwhile, scientific predictions suggest that Eid-ul-Fitr is most likely to be celebrated on April 22, Saturday. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramazan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and is celebrated with religious reverence and joy throughout the country.
