Islamabad airport worst in the world: survey
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KARACHI: A survey conducted by "The Guide to Sleeping in Airports" website shows Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport as the world's worst airport.
The survey says the airport, often "likened to a central prison", can be aggressive yet inconsistent in its security checks and crowd control is often minimal if not entirely absent.
The airport is also largely unclean and is sparsely equipped in terms of technology, the survey says.
A traveller told the website that “the Islamabad airport is like as a central prison. Many of touts & taxi drivers loot people at airport & outside”.
Also read: Footprints: New Islamabad airport a distant dream
“Travellers have also complained about the airport’s inability to handle passengers for over a decade,” the website said, adding that it was a relief that a new airport was finally being constructed in Pakistan’s federal capital.
The new airport is slated to be completed for mid-2016, the website said. However, a lawmaker recently told Dawn that with the construction moving at snail’s pace, it seemed that the new airport would not be operational even by 2035.
Recently, lawmakers also expressed concern over increase in the estimated cost of the new airport.
The chairperson of Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Division and Civil Aviation Senator Kalsoom Perveen said technical faults and delay in the construction work had increased the cost from Rs37 billion to Rs85 billion.
The website rated Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport as the second worst airport in the world with Nepal’s Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport taking the third slot.
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Comments (97) Closed
Oct 18, 2014 04:36pm
More accolades !!! Conspiracy theory anyone?
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Oct 18, 2014 04:44pm
Agree
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Oct 18, 2014 04:51pm
congrats
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Oct 18, 2014 04:54pm
What has happened to Pakistan ? Sad news everyday from all sectors. I hope very soon they get a grip on the reality and take steps towards progress.
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Oct 18, 2014 04:54pm
What has happened to Pakistan ? Sad news everyday from all sectors. I hope very soon they get a grip on the reality and take steps towards progress.
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Oct 18, 2014 04:55pm
Pakistani airports are first point of entry, and last point of exit in Pakistan.
The airports are also where you get harassed the most in Pakistan.
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Oct 18, 2014 05:19pm
The solution of every problem in Pakistan is that you make Imran khan the prime Minister.
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Oct 18, 2014 05:24pm
The solution of all the problems in Pakistan is that you elect Imran Khan.
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Oct 18, 2014 05:24pm
if there is one thing we are the best in the world it is simply incompetency. Look at the name of the airport and how can you expect it to function normally?
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Oct 18, 2014 05:54pm
Saw pics in link....looks like railway station. But can't blame, every good or bad things in country are connected with country's current economic position. Good luck for future though.
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Oct 18, 2014 05:57pm
Thanks to PML(N) , PPP and Malik Riaz (Real man behind in delay of construction of new airport).Malik Riaz has bribed everyone including Nawaz Sharif , Zardari , Shujat Azeem and officials of CAA to delay the construction of new airport at Fatehjang.
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Oct 18, 2014 06:01pm
not worse but 10th worse airport!
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Oct 18, 2014 06:10pm
Agree. I was ripped off at currency exchange counter, they are crooks. Security staff is helpful though.
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Oct 18, 2014 06:18pm
In my opinion ground, security and other staff make your airport best or worst. There are obviously other reasons such as facilities however, the available facilities at the Islamabad Airport are almost the same from a longtime. Then why now the Islamabad Airport is coming last in the race because the staff (security or ground) simply do not care about passengers, they do not see them as a customers they see them as a burden. I think lack of training, negative attitude and staff see the passengers as a money making commodity rather then a human being or customer. We travelers deserve better.
Let me tell you if staff welcomes you at the airport and treat you well then you forget about the poor facilities and let me give you an example I have traveled from USA to China but I recon eastern European countries have better airport than Islamabad but my experience is not very pleasant as the airport staff in eastern European countries do not treat passengers with respect and they have attitude problem as well.
I think before they are going to change the airport they need to change the staff mind set first. The security, narcotics, customs, airline, porter even the lounge catering staff they all are very poor and sorry to say this but it is the truth.
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Oct 18, 2014 06:26pm
What about conduct of staff and attitute of person handling passengers, this airport might be unike worst on globe
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Oct 18, 2014 06:46pm
@waleed Making Modi the PM will also solve your problems and he will do it better than Imran. :P
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Oct 18, 2014 06:51pm
Kashmir is the reason for this. Think over it, its actually true though you may initially find it sarcastic.
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Oct 18, 2014 06:58pm
Hopefully new airport scheduled for opening in year 2016 will take this distinction away from it. But they just not needed a new airport, new management, new professional team at CAA, new ASF(on the pattern of motorway police), all new administration selected on merit will do. Building a new terminal is just not enough.
Don't think the current government has the capacity to do that.
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Oct 18, 2014 07:01pm
@Sunshine Have you been asleep for last 2 decades? lol
What has happened? Two decades of musical chairs between NS and Bhutto. Need I say more?
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Oct 18, 2014 07:06pm
Building a new airport is not the solution, we are just moving the mismanagement and the VIP culture to a bigger place.
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Oct 18, 2014 07:08pm
What's worse is that the new airport that's actually supposed to be good keeps getting delayed. Why do we expect the world to respect us when we aren't even taking these matters seriously?
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Oct 18, 2014 07:12pm
And yet these very people talk of bombing India and sending rockets to space....... Amazing!
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Oct 18, 2014 07:16pm
Flying in to New Delhi airport from Pakistan is akin to leaving 18th century and arriving at 21st century.
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Oct 18, 2014 07:21pm
Not surprised, not a news
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Oct 18, 2014 07:24pm
I disagree, have travelled through Islamabad airport a lot, I always found the staff-customs, immigration to be courteous and helpful. However on the other the behavior of the passengers is mind boggling, people who were following all rules and regulation just a few hrs ago while departing from a foreign airport, all if a sudden forget all civility and respect of law, and no one stops them.
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Oct 18, 2014 07:26pm
Take non sense like "Benazir Bhutto" out of the name and watch it improve. Name places after those who looted the country and this is what happens.
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Oct 18, 2014 07:28pm
This clearly shows the country's economy.....
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Oct 18, 2014 07:33pm
The ANF, The first check at the airport is the worst.. it's a total humiliation and harassment if someone is from the KPK.
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Oct 18, 2014 07:49pm
@waleed Imran him self is the real problem
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Oct 18, 2014 07:54pm
Its worse than a prison, staff are rude, ,toilets are a disgrace, everyone is trying to rip you off, the custom officials are totally corrupt, if 2 flights arrive at the same time you can wait for over an hour to get your luggage immigration are slower than a snail and they leave you standing while they talk to people on their mobike phones the whole airport is totally unprofessional. I have experienced all of this personally. ,
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Oct 18, 2014 07:57pm
@imran Congrats to PPP Govt and NS Govt for another slap in the face!!!
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Oct 18, 2014 08:02pm
Not sure what the parameters are and whats wrong with the airport. I checked out few pics of the Islamabad airport and it looked quite decent. There are so many airports in Indian small towns and villages that are slightly better than a railway station. Islamabad airport is much better than those for sure.
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Oct 18, 2014 08:10pm
I guess all the airports especially Lahore airport
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Oct 18, 2014 08:29pm
Agree, that is why Zardari named it Benazir Bhutto. He would have named it Zardari Airport if it was any better. He is clever.
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Oct 18, 2014 08:42pm
The present Islamabad Airport is actually a military base, Chaklala AFB. It was a temporary set-up only.
It took the democrats more than 20 years to realize that?
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Oct 18, 2014 09:00pm
Few months ago I was a transit passenger at Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport. Several people --- from the toilet cleaner to custom/ immigration officer asked (or 'begged') for money. However, in Asia, I have seen much worse International airport than the Islamabad.
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Oct 18, 2014 09:05pm
Is there only one airport in Pakistan?
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Oct 18, 2014 09:06pm
@waleed Pakistanis have found a strange solution to fixing the country, that is to vote for Imran Khan instead of fixing one's own self. Its easier to cast a vote and attend dharnas than leaving bad habits.
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Oct 18, 2014 09:19pm
Congrads! Once afain we have topped the list of being the worst.
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Oct 18, 2014 09:27pm
Pakistan should seriously consider shutting down Aviation sector and Pakistan Railways. These have become a national shame. There are plenty of International class airports in the neighbourhood like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore etc. which Pakistani travellers can use to travel abroad.
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Oct 18, 2014 09:32pm
The rote in every field is deep and getting deeper. We need an honest and competent ruler.
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Oct 18, 2014 10:12pm
Let's do a darhna at the airport.
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Oct 18, 2014 10:18pm
.......and Zardari and Sharif along with their song and dance team insist that the ' status quo ' must not be disturbed.
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Oct 18, 2014 10:24pm
I congratulate our political leadership for achieving a record. They all sit in Islamabad. Don´t they notice anything at all?
Th increasing cost and finishing line for the new aiport gives an ample margin and time for the politician´s generations to come. My only stisfaction: the new airport would not come in any survey for long time.
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Oct 18, 2014 10:35pm
Very much like rest of the country.
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Oct 18, 2014 10:43pm
Islamabad airport ko sudhaaregaa Kaun.......Imran Khan!Imran Khan ! (That too in just 90 days)
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Oct 18, 2014 10:48pm
Government should be proud of the 'wooden spoon' award. Priorities are all twisted on visionless projects like jangla bus.
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Oct 18, 2014 11:09pm
Unfortunately, our rulers were quick to name it after a famous leader but did not bother to up its standard. As for Benazair Bhutto Airport being the worst in world, it does not surprise me. I have used it multiple times, it can't get any worse, even Peshawar airport is a bit better.
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Oct 18, 2014 11:12pm
This seems like a conspiracy of RAW, CIA & Mossad
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Oct 18, 2014 11:27pm
Congrats to us
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Oct 18, 2014 11:29pm
When the airport in labelled 'the worst airport', you call it Islamabad Airport but when it is great, it is 'Benazir etc.' What's all that about?
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Oct 18, 2014 11:38pm
Pakistani Airports are having one of its antique and stupid staffs of the universe who ask for "Bakhshish" from passengers at airports.
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Oct 18, 2014 11:44pm
This some thing bad projection. if you check source of this ranking you will see Germany, Italy, France and even USA airports in 10 worst Airports around the world. So no worries. I have seen some airports in Africa found worst in the world.. and strangely in this ranking there is no airport from Africa
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Oct 18, 2014 11:53pm
Islamabad airport is a disgrace every time I've travelled through it staff have quietly asked for "rishwat"
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Oct 19, 2014 12:42am
I m a naive Indian and I want to know the answers of following questions -
1. Why there are always negative news from Pakistan??? Is Pakistani are so bad and are not capable of do anything of their own pride???
2. Why Pakistan is trying to build a 'naya Pakistan' now? Is there any fundamental wrong with 'purana Pakistan' created by Jinah?
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Oct 19, 2014 01:20am
What an irony, in the same survey, Delhi's IGI Airport featured among Asia's top 10 airports!
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Oct 19, 2014 03:13am
My family and I have travelled thru Islamabad many time in the past 20 years. We never had any problem at the airport. My only concern, the Airport facilities did not expand compared to the increase in number of arriving/departing passengers over the years. We always found the airport and custom staff to be polite and helpful.
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Oct 19, 2014 03:56am
its was supposed to be good.. its in the capital and its brand new! what the heck pak!
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Oct 19, 2014 04:13am
I have been saying it since 1994...
thanks for catching up !!!
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Oct 19, 2014 04:44am
When we choose corrupt politations they put corrupt staff on us.Did you notice when you the country those security guards ask you for 100 rupees and if you refuse then they start harassing you.
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Oct 19, 2014 06:22am
Let this be another flag in the PMLN cap. PMLN has taken the country into bottom of worst development and orchestrating it as the path to invent and evolvement.
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Oct 19, 2014 06:39am
It is all due to concentration on hatred for India rather than love for Pakistan. Come and see our international airports. We do not hate Pakistan but still love India.
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Oct 19, 2014 07:30am
Odisa Bhubanesar(8 lacs population) airport in India is better than this airport.
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Oct 19, 2014 07:46am
@Arshad
Have to agree with that!! Its more of a problem with the staff attitude and this includes everyone at Islamabad Airport from POrters to PIA, FIA and ANF.
Hope none of these loosers show up to ruin things at the new airport.
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Oct 19, 2014 08:05am
India's Delhi airport is in TOP 10 in Asia, and newly constructed Mumbai is catching fast
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Oct 19, 2014 08:08am
By the way one US airport is in worst 10 : 10. New York City LaGuardia International Airport, USA (LGA)
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Oct 19, 2014 08:15am
@Hussain from Delhi And how are we supposed to go to these international airports in our vicinity.... On foot??
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Oct 19, 2014 08:18am
hhah, first time ever gone and come up with clothes having mud.
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Oct 19, 2014 08:45am
what do expect from a country where every one wants to get the highest post without meeting the criteria and earns millions regardless.
Each one refuses to take responsibility for how their decisions/actions are bringing their departments and country in turn
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Oct 19, 2014 09:18am
Learn from Indian airport authority, Delhi,Mumbai,Bangalore,chennai,HYDRABAD airports are absolutely stunning.
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Oct 19, 2014 10:01am
@waleed And Kashmir.
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Oct 19, 2014 10:11am
@Payal "There are so many airports in Indian small towns and villages that are slightly better than a railway station. Islamabad airport is much better than those for sure." Good comparison - keep it up.
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Oct 19, 2014 10:13am
@Hussain from Delhi Be nice - Pakistan is our neighbour.
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Oct 19, 2014 10:45am
This is true. I have experience one international flight from isb airport. There were three international fight and There were a very long queue outside airport for security check before entering to airport. I way to two hours for my turn. When I reached at the check in counter the operator said sorry we are closed, you are late. That was so frustrating situation for me. I was late because of airport mismanagement. I think isb air port is smaller then my city railway station and have no management.
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Oct 19, 2014 10:56am
I agree with Jeddah airport! It's got to be the worst !! I was there in July for umrah in state of ihram coming in from cooler uk (temp) to a blistering 45c heat!! Waited 3 hrs to get thru !!! The staff @ immigration counter were afew ! Most we're chatting with each other! It's put me off ! But hey it was umrah!! Not meant to be easy!!!
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Oct 19, 2014 11:15am
That's okay. Even Delhi was rated worst airport five years back but the same survey group " Guide to sleeping on airports" has now rated delhi's IGI airport as among the top ten in asia. So..hope islamabad does the same.
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Oct 19, 2014 11:19am
Oh my god we are topping every list polio,airport what next
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Oct 19, 2014 12:27pm
politisians come and rob the country instead spending nation's wealth on infrastructure like airports and so on. for example what did Zardari do in five years besides filling swiss banks? finally Nawaz showed some interests , lets see if he expidite the construction. i never been to all the airposts in the world but i do think islamabad air ports is worsts in the world . shame on our so called leaders if they have any?
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Oct 19, 2014 01:33pm
@Paki
We have nukes. That is all that matters.
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Oct 19, 2014 01:37pm
This seems to me like a conspiracy by Modi to defame Pakistan
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Oct 19, 2014 01:43pm
CIA and Indian conspiracy
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Oct 19, 2014 01:52pm
At least we came to too of some list!
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Oct 19, 2014 01:53pm
Congrats. Another feather added to a well decorated crown of Pakistani
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Oct 19, 2014 02:07pm
And, the new airport will be included in the Guiness Book of World Records for the longest construction period for an airport
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Oct 19, 2014 02:30pm
@A.man . Who told you it's brand new? I agree the present Chaklala airport is very bad. Thats because it is basically a converted Air Force hangar. When the new Islamabad airport is completed in Fateh Jang, it will be an eye opener. The CAA is not pending any money on this old airport because the new one is being constructed. The construction is even visible on google earth.
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Oct 19, 2014 02:31pm
I have been to the Jeddah airport as well and I agree that it deserves 2nd place in worse airports.
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Oct 19, 2014 03:01pm
PMLN and PPP have systematically degraded each and everything in Pakistan. PMLN and PPP are good for nothing and would continue to be so no matter what!!
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Oct 19, 2014 03:01pm
Quite a paradox. One of the best planned cities in the world and the best in South Asia, Islamabad has the worst airport in the world, yes it is in reality an air force base turned into an airport. New airport is coming up in 2016, the first greenfield airport in the country.
Locals can take some salvation as the worst airports includes airports from Germany, France, Italy and many developed countries.
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Oct 19, 2014 03:01pm
PMLN and PPP have systematically degraded each and everything in Pakistan. PMLN and PPP are good for nothing and would continue to be so no matter what!!
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Oct 19, 2014 03:21pm
At-least we're #1?
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Oct 19, 2014 08:40pm
I have travelled thru Islamabad many time in the past 14 years. I never had any problem at the airport. My only concern, the Airport facilities did not expand compared to the increase in number of arriving/departing passengers over the years. I always found the airport employees from the different departments to be polite and helpful. No one never ever asked me money. Only CAA need to educate their staff because I observed most of CAA staff old and not educator, second no any union allow at the Airports area, PIA and CAA.
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Oct 19, 2014 09:32pm
Like a railway station
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Oct 19, 2014 09:32pm
Like a railway station
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Oct 19, 2014 09:32pm
Plz learn from india
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Oct 20, 2014 02:02am
We deserve this kind of news since we aren't a nation. Sad.
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Oct 20, 2014 07:16am
Hey, we are number 1!
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Oct 21, 2014 01:28am
A fitting status to Benazir Airport. The name says it all...the followers of PPP should change the airports name if they have any decency and regard for BB.
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