The Balochistan Assembly on Saturday unanimously passed a joint resolution urging an immediate reduction in airfare for flights from Quetta to other cities across Pakistan. Lawmakers expressed concern over the recent, unjustified fare hikes that have significantly burdened the province’s residents.
The resolution was presented by Mir Sadiq Umrani, the provincial minister for irrigation, on behalf of multiple members, during a session chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Balochistan’s people, Mr. Umrani stated that many residents rely on air travel for medical treatment and business trips, as frequent blockades on Quetta-Karachi and other highways make road travel unreliable.
Opposition leader Mir Younas Aziz Zehri urged the federal government to intervene and direct Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to increase its flights for Quetta and other cities in Balochistan. He also called for private airlines to resume their suspended operations to Quetta.
Dr. Malik Baloch, the president of the National Party, raised concerns about the exorbitant fares on flights to Turbat, where airlines are charging as much as Rs60,000 for a one-way ticket. Additionally, he proposed a ban on night flight operations in Balochistan.
After thorough discussion, the assembly unanimously adopted the resolution, emphasizing the urgent need for action to make air travel affordable for the province’s residents.
