AS an expat now settled in Canada, I feel more patriotic than I did while living in Pakistan. And for this reason, while ignoring negative publicity, I always try to book a flight on our national flag carrier, PIA. Having said that, to be honest, another reason is the advantage of direct flights, no layovers, no transfers. If all goes well, one can be home in less than 20 hours.

However, after my most recent experience of travelling on PIA, I am now forced to join the naysayers. The in-cabin service was professional and friendly, the quality of food was also acceptable. The main issues are the worn-out seats.

The seat I was allotted barely had any cushioning left. I was lucky to find a pillow to sit on, which normally is a rarity, as is a blanket. And this is a 16-hour haul.

The entertainment centre never seems to work either. It is not a coincidence that every time I travel, the system is down, it just never works.

As one can imagine, these cross-Atlantic flights are not cheap, and it is not like we are getting a bargain considering the dilapidated condition of the aircraft’s interior and lack of amenities.

I wonder when PIA charges slightly more than some of its competition, why are they unable to offer the same comforts as other airlines?

I hope that the management appointed to run PIA by the new government will set the right priorities.

Asif Hashmi

Toronto, Canada

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2018