PIA flight operations suspended after clash with LEAs

LAHORE (Web Desk) – Workers of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have suspended flight operations across the country after a deadly clash with law enforcement agencies, which left two PIA employees dead and four others injured on Tuesday.

PIA Joint Action Committee head Sohail Baloch said that PIA workers will continue their protest till their demands are met.

Earlier, at least two persons died and four others were injured when police resorted to aerial firing and use water cannons and tear gas shells to disperse the protesting employees of Pakistan International Airlines, who tried to enter Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

According to media reports, the protesters were also baton charged and as a result at least five people including cameraman of Dawn News were also injured.

Meanwhile spokesman for PIA Joint Action Committee said that protesters were peaceful and attacked by the police officials. The injured have also received bullets in upper part of body, he claimed.

Police officials, present on the occasion, however dismissed the allegation saying that none of the policemen opened fire at the protesters.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced that the Pakistan International Airlines employees working during the strike will be given special rewards for their service, however, the employees who refused to work will be punished and can be sent to jail for one year.

The prime minister accused the workers of politicising the issue by resorting to strike. He said that the act is costing PIA a loss of Rs 100 million on daily basis.