PIA suspends staff over delay in take-off

Dawn.com Published September 16, 2014

KARACHI:Two employees of national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been suspended over the delayed take-off of an Islamabad-bound plane that pushed angry passengers to prevent two lawmakers from boarding.

PIA spokesperson Mashood Tajwar confirmed to Dawn that shift manager Nadeem Abro and terminal manager Shehzad have been suspended due to the delayed take-off of PK-370.

“After the initial delay which was due to technical reasons, the plane was delayed for a further 15 to 20 minutes,” Tajwar said. “They have been suspended for this unnecessary delay.”

Read more: Rehman Malik booed off plane

PIA's flight PK-370 was scheduled to depart from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport at 7PM but passengers say it was delayed by more than two and a half hours. Irate passengers hurled abuse at Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Senator Rehman Malik and PML-N MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar Wakwani for the delay, which they said was an example of 'VIP culture' that allows influential people to call in favours.

Malik has denied that the delay had to do with him, and said that take-off was delayed due to a technical fault. PIA confirmed that the delay was due to a technical fault, but later said that there was a "further unnecessary delay" that resulted in action against PIA staff.

The incident — which was filmed and uploaded to video-sharing site Dailymotion — has created a storm on social media, with users applauding the passengers of PK-370 for successfully barring the lawmakers from boarding the aircraft.

The story on Twitter

Many thought the 'revolution' was nigh

While others took a more balanced view

With the occasional quip...

A few felt Rehman Malik was being targeted unfairly

And the real problem was the irate passengers

Many others pointed out that this is all too common

And there are bigger issues worth talking about

In all...

Pakistan

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Moosa

Sep 16, 2014 01:29pm

Booooo!!! always taking it out on the little guy!

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Khalid

Sep 16, 2014 01:30pm

Only because the person in question is from the opposition. How many times have the flights been delayed due to PMLN ministers?. I guess no one would question that. This is exactly how it is in Pakistan. "Me, myself and I" culture has destroyed our country.

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Amir Mahmood

Sep 16, 2014 01:31pm

Are you serious? Fights have been delayed for hours for all the petty reasons in the past this was only few minutes. Station Manager needs a pat on the back.

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Waqar Khalid

Sep 16, 2014 01:32pm

Not the end of VIP culture yet, but it's a start... even if it was a genuine delay, there is a historic trend of flights being held up for VIPs; a term which in itself is derogatory. Why could the so called VIPs not wait in the aircraft like ordinary Not-So-VIPs. Instead of apologizing, the blame has been passed on to someone else... typical.

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Yusufzai

Sep 16, 2014 01:51pm

Poor PIA employees sacrifice.alas !

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irfan

Sep 16, 2014 01:52pm

This was always on the cards. Something starts from the top but their harsh effects ripple through the bottom. This is what we call jamhuriat. This happened in the Model town. This happened here.

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Rashid Ishaq

Sep 16, 2014 01:54pm

best tweet from Shezreh Mirza

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Yasser Masood

Sep 16, 2014 01:56pm

All too good a story to enjoy, Pakistan needs more people to boot status quo.

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Ali

Sep 16, 2014 02:02pm

Another non-sense statement from PIA "the plane was delayed for a further 15 to 20 minutes,” Tajwar said. “They have been suspended for this unnecessary delay.”... ...I regularly travel to UK and PIA flight is usually delayed for hours. No one ever suspended for those long delays and here "employees were suspended for 15 to 20 minutes delay"..

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Shades

Sep 16, 2014 02:02pm

When You Insult a Minister Poor People Loose There Job ... "Ameero Ko Luto Ghareebo Ko Maroo"

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shami

Sep 16, 2014 02:03pm

Tabdeli a nahi rahi Tabdili agayi hai...

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Raja Amer

Sep 16, 2014 02:04pm

Hats of to Imran Khan for bringing awareness among people of Pakistan. I see my country changing in next few years.

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ann cha

Sep 16, 2014 02:06pm

if PIA keeps suspending staff over delays like this, soon there will be no one left working for PIA

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Shuaib Bhat

Sep 16, 2014 02:06pm

Woww!! Very good and balanced article!! I hate Rehman Malik but tbh I don't see vigilante justice to be the right way of doing things.

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Abhishek Tomar

Sep 16, 2014 02:07pm

Well done passengers!!! These VIP's, both in India and Pakistan, thinks that they are the God. It shows that Passengers were educated and well mannered that they just barred him from boarding the flight but in reality he deserved to be kicked out

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JackDomm

Sep 16, 2014 02:09pm

Or is it the "Revenge" take by the Offloaded VIPs?

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jokhio

Sep 16, 2014 02:22pm

Thanx IK for the awakening of 200 million sheep and cattles.

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Ahmed

Sep 16, 2014 02:24pm

I find this really absurd. Why did they suspend the PIA staff? Knowing the VIP culture in Paistan, in my humble opinion, the staff would not have had a choice since the orders must have come from the top. If PIA wants to resolve the matter justly, they should take Mr. Malik and Dr. Ramesh to court and ask them to pay a hefty fine.

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Nadir

Sep 16, 2014 02:25pm

Face saving tactics, two poor employees have been suspended. Rehman Malik should be penalized not the employees, unfortunately they still have enough influence on national institutions to walk away with such acts of shame by blaming it on others who don't really matter for them.

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PostMan

Sep 16, 2014 02:42pm

'Suspended for unnecessary delay'. What? busy playing ping-pong on the tarmac? If PIA starts to fire people over such excuses... PIA would be without a single staff within a month.

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Pakistani

Sep 16, 2014 02:44pm

PIA spokesman should clarify that while the aircraft was declared 'technical' for nearly two hours, was there any announcement made to inform the already boarded passengers?

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Akbar Mohdi

Sep 16, 2014 02:45pm

Why suspend people who had no control or authority over this action? always the people at the bottom who bite the bullet.

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Iftekhar Ahmed Khan

Sep 16, 2014 02:46pm

Credit goes to Imran Khan and Tahir-ul-Qadiri. Looks like people have started to fight for the right.

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Shery

Sep 16, 2014 02:53pm

I am surprised how beautifully the PIA management covered up the delay cause by Mr. Rehman to be a technical fault. And just so that no one suspects that the higher management was also involved they've suspended two lower officials to cover up their tracks....Bravo

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Qamar

Sep 16, 2014 02:55pm

AhamdulilAllah. PK-370 passengers, I am proud of you.

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Gonglo

Sep 16, 2014 02:56pm

So, two guys lose job to cool dear senator down. Noice!

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Abdullah

Sep 16, 2014 03:00pm

I salute all the passengers of that flight for showing that they are not slaves!

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Rizwan

Sep 16, 2014 03:01pm

At least IK and Dr TuQ gave people an impetus to stand for their rights. this action in video is very nice, RM made a delayed for 2.5 hour OMG ,in such a delay one can find the next flight to ISB from KHI

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VIP_Troll

Sep 16, 2014 03:05pm

The aviation authority should put hefty fines on airline breaching the timings. On 21st Jan 2011 i was on PIA flight from Islamabad to Karachi, to my utmost surprise i heard the announcement "All passengers are informed that the airline has a strict smoking policy. Passengers except seat number XXX (where some politician was sitting) are strictly prohibited from smoking on board flight." .. believe me its not a joke and it upset me and people around very frustrated. The Politician was in VIP section and kept smoking during the flight.

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Diesel Power

Sep 16, 2014 03:05pm

It was Karachi Airport and PIA staff was from karachi, Rehman malik is from PPP which has its roots in sindh. PPP is running the provincial government. This is PPPs political enrollment. The staff is suspended for a while. Wait a little and they will be reinstated when public temper has cooled down. They are the personal servants of PPP officeholders and their services are needed.

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Just Someone

Sep 16, 2014 03:18pm

@Farhan Babar: One by one.

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Just Someone

Sep 16, 2014 03:21pm

Was this suspension of the PIA staff because they waited for Rehman Mailk and caused the delayed or was it because of their inability to control the passengers and let Rehman Malik and Dr. Ramesh Kumar Wakwani from board the aircraft? Excellent if it was for the former process. Moreover, I also have my doubts about the technical delay.

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murad

Sep 16, 2014 03:23pm

When you push someone against the wall , like the elite has done here its not a surprise . If they don't change this might just turn out to be a preview ,and the full movie to be released soon, and who knows it could be a horror too.

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Ali Abbas

Sep 16, 2014 03:27pm

Oh my God.. Poor fellows of PIA being victimized just to divert attention from Rehman Malik. How many times has PIA taken notice of delayed flights earlier, anyone?

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Just Someone

Sep 16, 2014 03:31pm

@Ali: They were suspended because the VIP's were exposed for the delay.

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Zohaib

Sep 16, 2014 03:33pm

And they never learn

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Salma

Sep 16, 2014 03:36pm

PK-370 incident is a mini revolution, could we do this everywhere we see justice being negated. Name of the game should be to do it in a gentleman like manner. It is starting to change, yes it is.

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sameer

Sep 16, 2014 03:40pm

@Diesel Power, be Gasoline Power, diesel is slower than Gas, PIA is run by the Federal Government, not by PPP, and PPP is not in power in Federal Government.

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Suleman Lalani

Sep 16, 2014 03:55pm

Why no one is talking about Ramesh Kumar Wakwani of PMLN? He was also kicked out! PIA should also issue statement what action it takes against the suspended staff or when it reinstates the staff without any action.

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Ganga Din

Sep 16, 2014 03:58pm

Well done passengers. That's what needs to be done every where.

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Hannan

Sep 16, 2014 04:10pm

Bravo to the passengers who resisted. You accept it or not but Imran Khan has taught us to fight for your right. If u will not use ur rights, u will lose them.

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SHUJJA

Sep 16, 2014 04:12pm

Flight Delay is the primary reason PIA is losing its good and loyal customers. I believe serious action is required against those involve in flight delay. I dont understand that for PIA and its staff it will be a lose lose situation if they keep on delaying flights for what ever reasons either Technical Fault or VVIP culture protocols. Perhaps Government/Senior PIA official deliberately perform such actions. So they can privatize Pakistani Interantional Airlines.

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Usman

Sep 16, 2014 04:14pm

Shame on PIA they should be praised and encourage to do same with others VIP if they delay a flight or meetings etc. Thi is what imran been ccrying about that stop living in fear and step up as human so they know you matter too.

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Syed Ahmed

Sep 16, 2014 04:19pm

Gone are the days when people could be pushed around unnecessarily

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@expat

Sep 16, 2014 04:27pm

"PIA does not promote VIP culture",says an airline infested with VIP appointed cronies.

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ghuman

Sep 16, 2014 04:34pm

Credit goes to imran idealogy

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Shafiq Ahmad

Sep 16, 2014 04:37pm

Tabdili aa nahi rahi - Tabdili aa gai hay. Its a shame for the VVIPs. And applause to those who rise up against this culture. I am expecting such kind of videos will be uploaded in the future to name and shame those who try to create problem for Aam Admi. I hope, we will also work against the Lal Batti culture and force the VVIPs to stop at the Red Light like ordinary Pakistanis. Well done Karachiites. Hope people in Lahore will do the same, where the most of the ruling party members belong.

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R Y

Sep 16, 2014 04:39pm

The thing is that, to be very honest, PIA flights are usually delayed 2- 3 hours. This institution needs solid correction from corruption and complete lack of discipline. But I agree that the VIP delay culture should be smashed now. The plane doors "must" close on correct time. These lice have sucked the sanity of the nation.

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Shahid Lakhaniq

Sep 16, 2014 04:46pm

This is only way to throw them out. All these ministers and VVIP have crossed limits long time ago and now its time to teach them lessons and make them human.

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i2i

Sep 16, 2014 04:47pm

What about that incident when flight passengers almost attacked TUQ and called him names on his arrival in Lahore to formally launch his revolution. Certain people terming it as the beginning of the real revolution are actually looking for some face saving. I bet IK who was struggling and desperately need some new blame list to malign present setup now must be jumping and preparing for a fiery speech for this evening inside his container. I think this isolated event has exposed PAT-PTI desperation and dejection.

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MAlvi

Sep 16, 2014 04:47pm

A thorough inquiry is needed The responsible PIA staff should not only be suspended, but fired for ever. Rehman Malik must be removed from his position, if he maneuvered this incident. It is not a small thing.

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Anil Tiwari

Sep 16, 2014 04:48pm

Such culture stooped some time back in India. Now, they close the window 45 minutes before departure of flight and check-in is not possible. Therefore, the management need not look for an alibi like technical fault etc.

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Ahmed Bilal Sheikh

Sep 16, 2014 04:48pm

Full credit to Mian Mohammed Nawaz Sharif for bringing this change in our nation. As always Mian Sahib shall claim that because of his efforts we see change in the VIP culture similar to the claim he takes for making Pakistan a Nuclear Power.

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One Nation

Sep 16, 2014 04:52pm

The honest, hard working citizens of Pakistan have reached the tipping point. Tabdili Aa Gayi Hai.

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Imad Qureshi

Sep 16, 2014 05:04pm

PIA is lying that it was at all for technical reasons. This was clearly all because of Rehman Malik and Ramesh Kumar from the beginning. If it was for technical reasons why was Ramesh Kumar sitting outside while 200 people were sitting in? Why were people boarded to begin with if there were technical reasons.

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Sep 16, 2014 05:08pm

and then they say they don't promote/practice VIP culture...shame !

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masood

Sep 16, 2014 05:11pm

A wonderful act done by the people .... This should be followed in all walks of life.................

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shiraz

Sep 16, 2014 05:12pm

Great Imran Khan has finally set a tone for awakened Pakistan!

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Fahmida

Sep 16, 2014 05:33pm

It seems Pakistan has become a private corporation of politicians from PMLN, PPP, MQM and other political parties. Its disgusting how these politicians act. These parties don't want any change and they continue to increase their own bank balance. They act as if they are untouchables. There is no hope for Pakistan until Imran Khan and Qadri demads to revamp systems are carried out.

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Hisham

Sep 16, 2014 05:36pm

In the similar manner soon the residents of Islamabad will have to expel IK and TUQ from Islamabad. The IQ duo is misreading the mood of the people as they continue to suffer because of this dharna darama.

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Sep 16, 2014 05:36pm

I think Imran Khan's Dharna was a foolish idea. It didn't remove an elected PM but it did awaken the people.

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Khan

Sep 16, 2014 05:37pm

These two guys are probably the ones who gave the name of Rehman MAlik to passengers and are now punished.

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Basim

Sep 16, 2014 05:40pm

@Khalid a One of the people kicked out was from PML (N)

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Sep 16, 2014 05:42pm

Good, timely and sensible decision by the PIA management. It also shows a reflection of yester years better management days when PIA used to be one of the best airlines in the world who was also instrumental in teaching many top airlines of the world how to fly like the Emirates. My message to the movers and shakers of PIA at this crucial juncture in time and history is to "keep it up and hang on tough."

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Adnan Anwar

Sep 16, 2014 05:53pm

Why the PIA employees are being suspended, Rehman Malik and Ramesh Kumar should be banned from flying in PIA. It is such interference by Politicians that PIA incurs huge loses.

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Tafseer

Sep 16, 2014 05:55pm

Supreme Court of Pakistan should take notice and give plenty to these two culprits one Mr. R. Malik and Other Dr. Sb. who the people are involved in delaying the flight. is we have JUSTICE or Not.... or this just for poor people who can even afford bread... such a shame if our Law and Order departs sit quiet on this.

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Merchant

Sep 16, 2014 06:14pm

This poor man would have instead been rewarded, and not fired if Rehman Malik was still a minister. However, Rehman Malil should realise that it is PIA and not PPPIA.

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Ali Khan

Sep 16, 2014 06:22pm

Very happy that people have finally gotten sick of the VIP culture

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Asgher Ali

Sep 16, 2014 06:27pm

So refreshing.....these little gods thrown out of the plane. I always said that the power is in the hands of the people.....Use it.....Do not tolerate these politicians' or their boot lickers' aristocracy.

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Arshy

Sep 16, 2014 06:34pm

I'm so glad This VIP culture is being targeted

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Arshy

Sep 16, 2014 06:34pm

@Khalid pmln ministers get the same treatment

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Agha Ata

Sep 16, 2014 06:36pm

A question, how did Rehman Malik or any one else decided to come two hours late and then expected to board the plane whcih should have taken off 2 hours ago? Did they know the plane would still be there? Did they order it to be there until they arrive? Or is it PIA's common courtesy and respect to make passengers wait until big men arrive when they are late? Anyway, In this episode Rehman Malik is the biggest culprit.

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OmarFL

Sep 16, 2014 06:41pm

Wow !! So since it was the opposition, they take it out on PIA. What about the Shareef culture itself. What a country !!! Kudos to the passengers !!! This should set a precedent, InshaAllah.

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Jawwad

Sep 16, 2014 06:44pm

Excellent stuff! Loving it.

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farooq

Sep 16, 2014 07:03pm

The fact of the matter is that these irate passengers should have been arrested for causing trouble on this flight. There have been numerous instances where flights had to land because of irate passengers. Pakistanis need to learn to behave and follow civil norms of human behavior. I thought Malik showed decency when he left without making things worse. He did not have to do this but he did.

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naveed

Sep 16, 2014 07:08pm

@Shuaib Bhat : dear friend what other form of justice is now left for the citizens of this dying nation other than vigilantism

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Key Points

Sep 16, 2014 07:15pm

Thank you PTI and Thank you PAT for exposing misdeeds of crooked politicians. It has awaken people of Pakistan to demand their rights. Hopefully VIP culture would become a thing of the past. All those collecting big salary, perks and full security, instead of being servant of nation have become monstrous masters and rip off elites of the nation.

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Zack Khan

Sep 16, 2014 07:19pm

@ann cha or may be there won't be delayed flights!

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Zack Khan

Sep 16, 2014 07:21pm

Don't forget the hero here, the guy who kicked the VIP's out! Hats off to him.

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Zack Khan

Sep 16, 2014 07:22pm

@Salma I agree with you.

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aditya

Sep 16, 2014 07:48pm

Well done by the Pakistani common man, there is something we Indian common men have to learn, we still have traffic being stopped for some stupid political VIP to travel. Disgusting that our traffic police line up to allow such acts. Much worse in Hyderabad now that there are two sets of CMs and Ministers intruding into common man's convenience

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MDJ

Sep 16, 2014 08:27pm

Great job Pakistani people, do this with most of your politicians & see the change...

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KRana

Sep 16, 2014 09:02pm

Good gesture by people of Pakistan, it should not stop here

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Kamil

Sep 16, 2014 09:09pm

I salute the person who kicked out and shouted at Mr. Rehman Malik . Extremely justified . Keep it up Pakistan we need more people like you who can raise their voice . Good job

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atif

Sep 16, 2014 09:39pm

congrats fellow pakistanis

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Mehreen Rehman, Barrister & Solicitor

Sep 16, 2014 09:54pm

So much excitement in the social media and who bears the brunt of it? Was there even a proper investigation/enquiry by the PIA before suspending employees? Btw whose orders those employees were following? VIP culture is embedded in government organizations. If PIA does not approve such culture then it should have a proper policy in place which should be available to the public. Just because one incident gets media attention so you sack employees is no justification for the normal practice of privileging VIP's/high profile figures. In any case those who let the plane "unnecessarily" wait are equally responsible and should be prosecuted. In fairness and decency a public apology is definitely due but viewing the video clips and the statement of Mr. Malik I don't think it is forthcoming.

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i2t

Sep 16, 2014 10:41pm

Awesome!!! feeling a twinkle of hope for the country if this continues.

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jagan

Sep 16, 2014 10:52pm

I saw this on ndtv.com where Indians are saluting Pakistanis for this act. Well here is something people of both country can get behind - end of VIP culture !!

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Ahmed

Sep 16, 2014 10:54pm

This is the NAYAA PAKISTAN. Welcome on board!!!

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Nadeem

Sep 16, 2014 11:04pm

Good news and good riddance. Hats off to the people on that flight, very good job indeed. These VIPs should charter planes, they are not one of us and we are not one of them.

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Rakaposhi

Sep 16, 2014 11:15pm

With ongoing protests, people are find heart to say NO!

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Sep 17, 2014 12:03am

This is the kind of Nayya Pakistan I can support, but not the sit in protesters and IK that are breaking the laws themselves. Change the Pakistan while abiding by the laws of the country. If the laws are unfair, change them in Parliament, that is why we elected you for Parliament.

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Yasir Khan

Sep 17, 2014 12:09am

Doesn't matter. It is about time we hold these MNAs accountable. YES there will be a backlash if these fools turn up 2 hours later. We will NOT wait for them. If they are late, they should wait for another plane. Good job for throwing them out of the plane and embarrassing them. This is what our "leaders" deserve.

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Prashant Kumar

Sep 17, 2014 12:30am

@Anil Tiwari This type of culture was prevalent in India some 20 years back. But you are right. Reason is: corporates are much more powerful than politicians...

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Sep 17, 2014 12:49am

So many comment saying this is justice by 'vigilante'. I am very sad to read that. This is a matter of principles. Well done to the person who stopped him. If everyone stands up for the principles of justice then you have a decent society. How many of us have just stood up like idiots when some 'VIP' have been pushed up the queue.

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Gaz

Sep 17, 2014 01:01am

@FA So in your Naya Pakistan it should be illegal to protest. Sorry we are not like the Arabs it is the right of every Pakistani protest and we have a history of it.

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Raheem

Sep 17, 2014 01:27am

I work for PIA. These people who were suspended were due to teh fact that they leaked out the news that the plane was being held for VIP's and not for technical fault.These poor people were suspended by the directions of Rehman Malik himself. The problem is that PIA top level managment is being run by the hooks and crooks of PPP. I am reading some of these comments here and quite ashamed on Nyaa Pakistan slogan...Still cant understand how people resort to celebrate by winning small battles and losing the bigger ones they dont know how they are being cheated. There is a guy thats fighting for the system to change on street for 34 days now on streets of islamad and we have seem to all abondon that and we are now celebrating what ?

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Mehreen

Sep 17, 2014 01:44am

So 2 lower level PIA staff members takes the fall for the political elite?!! That is outrageous, there is no way they would have the authority to stop a commercial plane for taking off! Please email PIA at khidwpk@piac.aero to reinstate these staff members immediately and to investigate the higher level staff, and make the Rehman Malik at the PML-N MNA accountable. We cannot let these VIPs fire people at their own will! Justice for all!

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Moiz Omar

Sep 17, 2014 01:59am

Say no to VIP culture.

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Mehreen

Sep 17, 2014 02:11am

@Raheem Please give these staff members my condolences. I dont think there is any doubt that they took an unjust fall for Rehman Malik. Unfortunately I reside outside Pakistan and I can not reinstate them personally but I can email the PIA management to protest, which I have. I urge everyone to email PIA at khidwpk@piac.aero, or organize a protest at PIA headquarters. If we are going to go down this path against the VIP culture we have to take care of those who will suffer from the fall out!

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Sultan

Sep 17, 2014 02:14am

I have lived in the United States for 38 years. I have never come across a news item that made me so Proud of the Pakistani People. There is still hope. Peoples sense of Right and Wrong still exists. People are willing to show Truth to Power. These people have courage. They have class. Inspite of provacation, they were using civil language. I have no political leaning in Pakistan, but something has fundemently changed in that country. Maybe this is a sign of things to come. Instead of the Goons on all sides taking charge of the Political Dialouge, the people from the ground up mayl rise up in a civilized and orginized manner and bring real and long lasting change to that Country. Ameen.

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Canada

Sep 17, 2014 02:20am

Id like to know who the revolutionaries in the video were? They should be made PTI workers! Not VIP workers hehehe

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Sep 17, 2014 02:35am

@FA What about the sitting government breaking laws....

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Bahadur Ali

Sep 17, 2014 02:36am

If there was a technical problem in the aircraft, why were the passengers allowed to board it? It smells rotten -somebody is dictating these statements. Allah save Pakistan 9this is also my prayer)

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malik

Sep 17, 2014 02:49am

crust of the matter is the staff not suspended for the delay as they are common. Many PIA flights get delayed. PIA employees are suspended failing to control the crowd and get VIP.s on board. Noora tactics aren't working they are badly exposed.

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Syed Ahmed

Sep 17, 2014 02:50am

PIA management says the flight was delayed due to technical fault. Lets believe them. The technical fault was observed after boarding the boarding and not before. After reactivation of the fault additional boarding is not allowed. If the fault occurs before boarding than addition people could be accommodated subject to availability of space. The delay in this case is deliberate for accommodating VIP's. Publics reaction was legitimate since the government which are public servants not masters also behave irresponsibly by deny landing to a foreign aircraft at the scheduled airport for 45 minutes for no valid reason and than redirect it to Lahore. You reap what you sow.

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Seedoo

Sep 17, 2014 03:11am

I am no fan of Rehman Malik, but the poor chap was at the wrong place at the wrong time. After reading the article and the tweets, I still cannot understand what Rehman Malik had to do with the delay of the flight. This only goes to illustrate how emotional and immature our public really is. They take matters into their own hands without first bothering to learn about the facts. Rehman may be a corrupt politician, but unless someone can tell me that he had directly something to do with the flight delay, people had no business keeping him from boarding the plane. These passengers should be tried and given light sentences by the court for acting like vigilantes.

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Shah

Sep 17, 2014 03:18am

This is just the government of Nawaz Sharif and possible Sindh local government saying we will not tolerate any violation of our VIP status. They are also saying: the Pakistani people are ants compared to our powers.

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Amer

Sep 17, 2014 04:52am

I agree, we have taken it for 68 years, not any more.

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HAIDER

Sep 17, 2014 05:06am

Do you know PIA pay 10,000/ hr after exceeding their parking time limit, because of these VIPs.

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ash

Sep 17, 2014 05:48am

Yes, finally people have woken up!!! This is the start.. Big up to all the people who rebelled against these corrupt politicians who always think they are above the law!! REVOLUTION HAS STARTED FINALLY!!!

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rizwan

Sep 17, 2014 10:39am

'Truth and Candor' two words not found in Urdu and has no meaning for the Nation. Even if PIA is telling the truth about technical issue, there is no credibility of state institutions or politicians. I request a PIA employee to spill the beans anonymously. BTW I read another story about PM daughter was trying to upgrade her maid servant to business class free of charge. Kudos to PIA cabin crew to deny that malpractice.

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saad s

Sep 17, 2014 10:43am

i dont see it as awakening of ppl rather it is provocation of ppl'z anger at its edge which is very dangerous if it gets out of control. im not in favour of VIP culture thing at all. but ppl should know where to stand up for their rights at the right time. there are lot of other important things of national interest where they should take action rather than focusing where they are affected directly.delay in PIA flights and other private airlines is so common whether or not any political figure is involved.

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shah

Sep 17, 2014 05:37pm

Good Job. Keep up the good work and spirit.....................they deserve it.

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khalid iqbal

Sep 18, 2014 12:41am

What are we going to do with PIA. THE top management is not doing there job. delays and more delays ,have become so common with PIA that you wonder if the top management needs to be replaced with a management that will do the job.Not only the Primeminister needs to go I believe the top management of PIA also needs to go too.

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khanm

Sep 18, 2014 10:42am

We should give a big hand to PIA staff….don’t give in…it is a revolution we have to save… I realized that bullying never has to do with you. It's the bully who's insecure… Bullying is a national epidemic. We have to fight it off…

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aku

Sep 18, 2014 10:58am

Shame on PIA and the government to defend this VIP culture. Finding scapegoats in poor staff is shameful. Boooooooo!

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Gohar

Sep 18, 2014 02:38pm

Not enough... why not take an analysis last 3 months of all flights delayed and take action against the responsible Higher Ups, instead of just diffusing the pressure by suspending two individuals.

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Sep 18, 2014 04:03pm

A group of elite citizens (as fliers would be) assert themselves without full knowledge of the facts. The next time, the plane should simply be flown with a fault - and the fliers be asked to bear any consequences. How many times is traffic stopped to allow official motorcades to pass? Organised state comes with it costs, I'm afraid. Or, perhaps, we should all go back to hunting, gathering and living in caves. Juvenile, really juvenile.

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Arshad Junejo

Sep 18, 2014 09:20pm

@Khalid PML-N lawmaker was also booted off. So I don't know what you are ranting about.

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