Every airline passenger is aware that smoking is prohibited on every commercial airline flight, whether it be a domestic flight within Pakistan, or an international flight. Recently a Pakistani origin British national insisted on smoking while on board a domestic flight.
When this passenger was stopped by an air stewardess, the passenger started abusing her and then went on to physically assault her. Had this passenger behaved in this manner on any European, American or Gulf airline, he would have been arrested and served a mandatory prison sentence along with heavy fine.
Unfortunately, it is the lack of discipline and accountability which encourages people to commit crimes in Pakistan, or on board Pakistani registered aircrafts. This indiscipline is also exhibited by the airline crew which considers it their right to smoke in the cabin crew galley serving areas, or the flight deck known as cockpit.
Recently, a PIA executive director accompanied by two other senior executives created a scene on board a domestic flight from Islamabad to Karachi when he got drunk and became unruly with the cabin crew who wanted him to stop drinking on board.
It is common knowledge that consumption of alcohol within Pakistan and on board a PIA domestic flight is banned. With such indiscipline displayed by the PIA staff, no wonder unruly passengers are a common nuisance for other passengers travelling by Pakistan registered airlines.
RASHID ORAKZAI
Quetta