GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan lawmakers have rejected the recent increase in PIA fares on flights between Islamabad and GB.

They said the flight fare increase was an insult to GB people, as only last month the GBLA through a unanimous resolution had demanded a cut in the fare.

Talking to Dawn on Sunday, PPP member Imran Nadeem Shigri said PIA recently increased fare from Rs8,500 to Rs14,000 on Islamabad-Skardu route. He said PIA insulted GB people as it disregarded a GBLA resolution in that regard.

The lawmaker announced to table a privilege motion in GBLA’s next session.

“PIA has monopoly over GB and Islamabad route as no private airline is allowed to operate flights,” he said, pointing out that fare on Islamabad-Karachi route was only Rs12,000 and flight duration was one and a half hour, while flight duration from Islamabad to Skardu was just 30 minutes and fare was Rs14,000.

Mr Shigri said the fare hike would adversely affect the tourism sector in GB, adding despite paying heavy amounts on PIA tickets, confirmations of seats was yet another issue for the GB people.

GB minster Dr Mohammad Iqbal said the national flag carrier was creating difficulties for GB people. He said protests would be recorded with the federal government if the fare was not brought down.

BAN ON SELFIES: The chief secretary has imposed ban on government servants taking selfies and pictures with female staff and sharing the same on social media.

Chief secretary Dr Kazim Niaz took the decision on a letter sent to him by Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman who termed such activities against social norms and directed action if any official was found involved in taking selfies with the female staff.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2018