ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has rejected the stance of the representatives of private airlines and directed the Competition Commission of Pakistan to submit a report on illegal increase in airfares by private airlines by 15th of the current month.
Representatives of Shaheen and Airblue were of the view that instead of taking advantage of the suspended flight operation by PIA employees, the airlines had reduced the fares on domestic and international flights.
The matter was based on the media reports that private airlines had been charging inflated air fares from the passengers due to suspended flight operation of the PIA. The Senate chairman had referred the issue to the Finance Committee.
With the objective to look into the hardships and problems faced by the commuters and their resolution the Senate Finance Committee met here with Salim Mandviwala in the chair and Senators were of the stance that private airlines had taken illegal advantage out of suspended operation of PIA which was sheer injustice on passengers.
Representative of Shaheen Air briefed the committee that it had closed down international flight operation to meet the domestic requirements and over 70, 000 passengers were airlifted to their destinations inside the country. Airblue representative told the committee that 14 out of total 18 airplanes were being plied on domestic air routes. Moreover, Airblue has only single class.
Both the airlines were of the view that no passenger had lodged any complaint against inflated airfares, however, there were chances that travel agents might have charged extra amount from the passengers. But, if some agent is found involved in any such act, appropriate action will be taken against him.
Chairman Committee observed that no agent could be permitted to charge desired amount from the passengers in any condition and situation. Moreover, Senators also questioned why the private airlines had not taken action against travel agents for overcharging fares.
CCP told the committee that notice had been taken of the issue and letters had been despatched to the private airlines to submit their replies on the matter.
The Chairman Committee directed CCP to submit preliminary report into the issue by February 15 along with complete data of ticketing, boarding and lifting the passengers. Chairman further directed appropriate legal action against those who have committed injustice.
