cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines operated 46 flights without any passengers during 2016-17, incurring a loss of over USD 1.1 million to national carrier, according to a media report.

figures were revealed in an audit report which stated that airline suffered huge financial losses by operating 46 empty flights from Islamab, Geo TV reported.

PIA loss

report stated that PIA flew empty flights during time period of 2016 to 2017. airline faced a huge loss worth Rs 180 million (USD 1.1 million) and inquiry was launched despite ministration being informed of matter, news report said.

audit report also mentioned that besides se, around 36 Hajj flights also operated without any passengers. It was also kwn that to reduce operational costs, Pakistan International Airlines h laid off nearly 1,000 employees last month. 

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Pakistan air for PM Modi

Pakistan on Wednesday rejected India's request to allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's VVIP flight to use its air for his upcoming visit to US via Germany, citing " current situation in Kashmir".

"India h requested Pakistan to allow Modi to use its air to travel to Germany on 21st (Sept) and return on 28th (Sept)," Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.  Anuncing decision via a video statement, Qureshi said Indian High Commissioner in Islamab h been informed of Pakistan's decision to t allow prime minister's Modi's special Air India One aircraft to fly over country.

"In light of current situation in Kashmir, India's attitude and atrocities re, we have decided to t allow our air for flight of Indian prime minister," he said.

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Shortly after Pakistan denied India's request to allow PM Modi's VVIP flight to use its air for US visit via Germany, Indian Minister of External Affairs on Wednesday issued a statement. 

"We regret decision of Government of Pakistan to deny overflight clearance for VVIP special flight for a second time in two weeks, which is orwise granted routinely by any rmal country. Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting reasons for taking unilateral action," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in statement.

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