PM-led delegation troubles passengers aboard PIA flight

By
Tariq Abul Hasan
This image released on April 6, 2024, shows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his arrival in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. — Facebook/Mian Shehbaz Sharif
This image released on April 6, 2024, shows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his arrival in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. — Facebook/Mian Shehbaz Sharif
  • PM-led delegation was on two-day visit to Saudi Arabia.
  • Passengers wait two hours after delegation left flight.
  • Flight was diverted to Lahore instead of landing capital.

Passengers who were onboard a plane with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz faced difficulties in their travel from Jeddah as the flight bound for Islamabad touched down in Lahore, reported The News Wednesday.

The sources told The News that not only the city of landing was changed but hundreds of passengers — who were on time — also waited for the PM-led official delegation for two hours that was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. 

Passengers aboard the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight stated that despite the PM-led delegation leaving the aircraft, the flight was on the ground at the Lahore Airport for at least two hours.

The 72-year-old PM arrived in Saudi Arabia's capital on April 6 on a two-day visit. During his visit, he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi leader also hosted an Iftar at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah.

During the visit, both countries talked about bilateral ties and matters concerning mutual interest, including two-way trade and investment.

Following their meeting, Saudi Arabia doubled down on its pledge to speed up the initial phase of their $5 billion investment in Pakistan, a joint statement said.