Daily Times

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Thursday advised passengers to report at least four hours prior to their flight departure as roads had been blocked in major cities across the country owing to ongoing protests against Asia Bibi’s acquittal.

The national flag carrier advised passengers to report five hours prior to their international flight departure and four hours before their domestic flight departure. “Passengers can receive information regarding their flight timings by calling 111 786 786,” a PIA spokesperson said.

Flights are being delayed and passengers are finding it difficult to reach the airports since cardinal roads in major cities have been blocked owing to the second day of right wing protests. The protests erupted following the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death previously by lower courts. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar acquitted Asia Bibi and released a comprehensive 56-page judgement explaining their decision.

Roads from Askari X and Bhatta Chowk to the Allama Iqbal International Airport have been blocked leading to difficulties for passengers. A day earlier, the flight schedule at Lahore airport had also been affected due to protests in the city.

Meanwhile, train services have also been affected. Khyber Mail from Peshawar to Karachi has been delayed by over 14 hours and Awam Express has been delayed by over three hours.

Published in Daily Times, November 2^nd 2018.