DERA GHAZI KHAN, Nov 5: People intending to perform Umra complained against the PIA authorities for failing to provide seats to ticket holders from the south Punjab, specially from Dera Ghazi Khan.

A large number of people claimed that the PIA high-ups ignored repeated requests by them and their travel agents for confirmation of their seats. They claimed that not a single pilgrim was given a seat during the last one week.

Several travel agents told this scribe that at least 800 people from Dera Ghazi Khan intended to perform Umra. He feared that they could not be able to reach the holy land due to the attitude of the PIA authorities.

They alleged that PIA was giving priority to the people of big cities.

Some of the affected passengers said they would stage a sit-in in front of the local PIA office if they were not given seats.

A PIA official said the airline was doing its best to extend all facilities to its passengers.