SKARDU, Aug 26: A large number of foreign tourists and local passengers gathered in PIA office here on Sunday and staged a sit-in to voice their anger over what they said difficulty in getting tickets and irregular flight schedule.

They were demanding of the authorities to operate additional flights to Skardu as the lone flight was already full of passengers and was also delayed.

These foreign tourists have been stranded in Skardu because of irregular flight schedule, bad weather and rush of passengers in the PIA flight.

Due to suspension of traffic on Karakuram Highway between Rawalpindi and Gilgit-Baltistan after Babusar massacre over security reasons, rush of passengers in the PIA flight has been increased. On the other hand, the PIA flight which operates from Rawalpindi once a day itself depends on the weather condition and remains suspended for several days in case of bad weather, creating problems for passengers.

The protesters ended their agitation after the PIA officials assured them that they will request their higher authorities to operate additional flights.

Meanwhile, talking to Dawn, some tour operators complained that the PIA officials adopted delaying tactics in confirming the tickets of foreign tourists despite receiving double fare compared to local passengers.

They said most of foreign tourists had been stranded in Skardu for the last several days waiting for the flight but their seats were not being confirmed.