A video circulating on social media claims that a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight meant for Peshawar mistakenly landed in Karachi. However, a senior journalist from a private TV channel has clarified the real story behind the footage.
The Incident Explained
Journalist Tariq Abulhasan revealed that PIA flight PK-284, flying from Dubai to Peshawar, made an unscheduled landing at Karachi due to a technical issue. The video, which shows passengers arguing with security staff, actually captures their frustration after being kept onboard for several hours without being moved to the airport lounge.
PIA کا پائیلٹ پشاور جانے والی فلائیٹ کو غلطی سے کراچی لے آیا
کیا ایسی غلطی ممکن ہے ؟ pic.twitter.com/KgnlxHR5L0— Waqar khan (@Waqarkhan123) September 16, 2024
Mechanical Problems and Delays
According to Abulhasan, the technical issue occurred when the aircraft collided with a pushback truck in Dubai. As a result, PIA had to source parts from Dubai, delaying the journey. After hours of waiting, passengers were finally flown to Peshawar on a replacement flight.
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The pilot, identified as Muhammad Ahmed, further clarified that due to the lengthy delay, the flight crew had nearly exceeded their duty hours. A technical landing was made to switch crews before the plane continued its journey.
Maintenance Issues at PIA
Abulhasan also highlighted ongoing maintenance challenges at PIA, blaming a shortage of spare parts and poor management. He reported that only 17 out of 40 aircraft are operational due to these issues, with the privatisation of the airline cited as a contributing factor to the neglect in purchasing necessary parts.
