Indian authorities serve notice to PIA for shutting down New Delhi office

LAHORE: Indian authorities have issued legal notice to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to shut its office in New Delhi.

In the notice, sources said, India officials have alleged that the property for PIA office was purchased illegally.

PIA sources said Indian authorities have also not extended the visas of Pakistan’s national carrier staff and issued orders for Station Manager Saeed Ahmed to leave New Delhi.

It may be noted here that the case is pending in the court and according to PIA officials all the property was purchased as per Indian laws.

Pakistan High Commission sources said PIA staff was being harassed by Indian agencies and the purpose of this drive was to shut Pak-India flight operations.

At present PIA is running two flights weekly from Lahore to New Delhi, and if operation is closed, passengers will have to travel through Wagah Border.

Visa issue will be resolved soon: FO

Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam said the issue of visas for PIA employees in India would be resolved soon. She added that PIA had been directed to initiate litigation on the property issue.