Observer Report
Kuala Lampur
The Malaysian authorities held back a Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) aircraft at the Kuala Lumpur airport on Friday.
As per a statement issued by the national carrier on Twitter, the decision to seize the plane was a one-sided court decision.
“A PIA aircraft has been held back by a local court in Malaysia taking one sided decision pertaining to a legal dispute between PIA and another party pending in a UK court,” the company stated regarding the seizure.
The company further informed that the step had been taken over the non-clearance of outstanding dues relating to the aircraft’s lease, and termed the situation unacceptable, saying the PIA has the support of the government of Pakistan to raise this issue through diplomatic channels.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a statement informing that the High Commission in Malaysia was in close contact with relevant Malaysian authorities and PIA to address the issue at the earliest.
“Meanwhile, the passengers are being properly looked after and alternate arrangements for their travel to Pakistan have also been finalized.
They will be departing Kuala Lumpur by EK 343 later tonight,” the statement added.
