Overview
- An Airbus A320 (AP-BLS) was grounded for a second day after flight‑control computer failures, delaying Islamabad–Al Ain flight PK143, with sources saying a replacement unit was taken off another parked jet.
- Days earlier, a PIA Boeing 777 that suffered a mid‑air windshield failure was fitted with a windshield taken from a grounded aircraft and reinforced with high‑speed tape, with checks ordered before each flight for 10 days.
- Engineers protesting since November 3 report dozens of cancellations and more than 125 delays, demand timely spares and pay adjustments, and say they will not compromise on safety, while management labels the action illegal.
- The airline’s supply shortfalls are described as severe, with claims that windshields were not procured for four years and that only 14 of 32 aircraft are currently airworthy.
- Separately, ANF said it busted a Lahore drug network supplying elite events, seizing 5 kg meth, 120 g cocaine, 232 ecstasy tablets and 280 g weed, as Punjab recorded hazardous AQI readings and authorities inspected 4,184 vehicles, issued 877 challans and impounded 288 for emissions violations.