LAHORE, July 26: The PIA's general manager for Saudi Arabia and Yemen was suspended from service on Monday for his allegedly drinking and disorderly behaviour.

Salim Nisar reportedly caused an embarrassment to the delegation led by Prime Minister Shujaat Husain as the Saudi authorities did not permit the visitors to enter the Harem because he was drunk.

Sources told Dawn that the government had asked the PIA administration to terminate Mr Nisar from service. But, it declined to do so on the plea that he would move the court.

They said the PIA had also launched an investigation into the incident and action would be taken against the GM in the light of the inquiry report. Meanwhile, Jeddah station manager Manzoorul Hasan has been given additional charge of Saudi Arabia and Yemen.