After massive hiccups in the Haj Operation 2011, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has allegedly released incorrect figures to cover its poor performance. In a statement issued on Saturday, PIA Public Affairs Department said the PIA had successfully completed the Haj Operation 2011 by bringing back over 110,000 hajis to Pakistan. The department said the PIA had taken 110,726 hujjaj via 273 flights from Pakistan, and brought back 96,200 hujjaj via 266 special haj flights from Jeddah. However, sources said 95,500 haj pilgrims were brought back to the country via 270 haj flights, and of these only 47 flights were on time. A PIA spokesperson said 10,884 hajis were brought back to Karachi, 19,495 to Lahore, 19,766 to Islamabad, 18,600 to Peshawar, 16,058 to Quetta, 3,503 to Sialkot and 8,432 to Multan. However, sources said 9,858 hujjaj arrived in Karachi, 19,015 in Lahore, 19,015 in Islamabad, 19,876 in Peshawar, 16,386 in Quetta, 3,482 in Sialkot and 8,424 in Multan. Sources said the actual figures were not confirmed and, instead, a press statement based on the schedule made for Haj Operation 2011 was issued.
