Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Rehman Malik and Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Member of National Assembly Dr. Ramesh Kumar Wakwani were barred from boarding Islamabad-bound PIA flight from Karachi as they delayed it by two-and-half hours, Dawn reported.
A video clip showed that irate airline passengers held the two leaders responsible for the delay and even questioned them.
“We have taken it for too long… 68 years… are we going to take it for another 68 years?” passengers can be heard saying.
As Malik approached the jetway that connects the terminal to the aircraft, furious passengers asked him to apologise to passengers. “Malik sahab, sorry. You should go back. You should apologise to these passengers. You should be ashamed of yourself… 250 passengers have suffered because of you. It is your fault, sir.”
Passengers said, “Malik sahab, you are not a minister any more. And even if you are, we don’t care… anymore.”
PIA’s flight PK-370 was scheduled to depart from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 7 PM but was delayed by more than two and a half hours.
PIA spokesperson Mashood Tajwar confirmed that initial delay was due to technical difficulties, but further delay was unnecessary and hence shift manager Nadeem Abro and terminal manager Shehzad have been suspended, added the Dawn.
Dr Ramesh Kumar Wakwani appeared to be accompanying Rehman Malik, and was also taken off the aircraft.
The flight departed for its destination without the two lawmakers.
