The bustling city of Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, has long been a vital economic hub, connecting the region to the rest of the country. However, the recent skyrocketing of domestic air ticket prices has left businesses in Balochistan reeling. Many are now calling for urgent government intervention.
At the heart of the crisis is the steep increase in air fares. This affects routes connecting Quetta to major cities like Karachi and Islamabad. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Balochistan has sounded the alarm, revealing that ticket prices have surged from a reasonable Rs. 17,000-20,000 to a staggering Rs. 72,000 to Rs. 100,000.
“These unreasonable fare hikes have put air travel out of reach for the common man,” laments the Chamber’s President. With PIA and other airlines charging exorbitant prices, businesses in Balochistan are struggling. As a result, this has made it extremely difficult to facilitate travel for their employees and clients.
The issue extends beyond Balochistan. Across Pakistan, domestic air ticket prices have risen by as much as 300% in recent months.Reduced flight capacity and soaring jet fuel costs are driving this surge. The situation is further exacerbated by monopolistic practices by major carriers like PIA.
“PIA, being the national flag carrier, has a responsibility to ensure affordable air connectivity. This is especially important for far-flung regions like Balochistan,” argues the Chamber’s representative. “But instead, they seem to be exploiting the situation to maximize profits at the expense of the common traveler.”
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The consequences of this air fare crisis are far-reaching. Medical emergencies, educational pursuits, and essential business travel have all been severely impacted. However, the middle-class and lower-income segments of society, on the other hand, struggle to afford the sky-high ticket prices.
As the clamor for government intervention grows louder, the travelling public in Balochistan and across Pakistan eagerly awaits a swift resolution to this pressing issue. The need for affordable and accessible air travel has never been more crucial, especially when considering the country’s economic growth and, furthermore, its social development.
