ISLAMABAD: The state’s media machinery seldom works over the weekend. But after PIA pilots crossed the fence on Saturday night, the Prime Minister’s Office sprung into action.

Throughout Sunday, the press office of the prime minister relayed updates on the renewed flight operations, in real time.

The first statement, circulated at precisely 7:18am, announced, “two PIA 777 flights are leaving for Jeddah in [the] next five minutes. All pilots, cabin crew and ground staff are from PIA. They are bringing back 800 Umrah pilgrims . Flight operation is starting now. PIA staff has started coming back.”

This was accompanied by five short video clips, showing the preparation of PIA flights. “These clips were meant to remove doubts of those who thought the government was only bluffing about the partial resumption of the national airline’s operations,” an official from the PM’s Office said when asked about this special media management.

Then, at 1:17pm, another message stated, “PIA’s two Boeing 777 flights PK7330 and PK760, carrying more than 700 Umrah pilgrims from Jeddah will arrive at Islamabad airport at 14:40 and 14:55 hours (tentative time).”

At 3:38pm, the media was informed that the two flights had arrived and that the passengers were received by the aviation secretary.

Then, at 6:20pm, more clips were uploaded, which showed PK 211 taking off for Dubai. Similar details were posted at 6:47pm regarding the departure of PK 655 for Lahore.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2016