Since happening of the disastrous earthquake in the country, the national carrier PIA has transported about 350 tons relief goods from domestic charities and 200 tons from the international network.
PIA is mainly a passenger airline and has very limited cargo capacity available. But despite these capacity constraints, PIA has been able to uplift maximum possible relief goods in the from of medicines, medical and surgical equipment, emergency kits, tents, blankets, food stuff, search and rescue tools, cloth, jackets etc.
PIA and its staff have been working round the clock to cope with this mammoth increase in cargo movement. Not only that but PIA has also not even flinched in sacrificing its commercial interests to answer the call of duty. Despite all this it is indeed a pity and distressing to see certain section of press demeaning PIA's sincere efforts, a press release issued by PIA said here on Thursday.
"It may also be noted that PIA was one of the first to announce free transportation of goods, as we are fully aware of our responsibility as the national flag carrier of the country," it added.
Furthermore, to overcome the capacity limitation, PIA has enhanced its 747 Combi operations to Islamabad and is hiring dedicated freighters on the international network. These freighters are airlifting relief goods that have been piling up at various international locations. PIA is in close co-ordination with Relief Commissioner and other government and military institutions.-PR