Islamabad : Prominent social leader and representative of “Wu Stem Cells Medical Center Beijing” in Pakistan, Mr. Imtiaz Hussain Baloch, has stated that following the Iran-US conflict, PIA has suspended the 40% discount on air tickets previously offered to persons with disabilities for the past two to three weeks.
Not only this, but the 20% ticket discount for caregivers accompanying disabled patients has also been withdrawn.
He said that even if this discount had not been suspended and remained in place, it would not have caused any significant or substantial increase in PIA’s losses. However, delays or denial of treatment for disabled persons seeking to travel via PIA for medical purposes will certainly worsen their illness and increase the distress of their families.
Mr. Imtiaz Baloch noted that PIA’s profitability does not depend on ticket purchases by persons with disabilities, as their number is extremely limited. In particular, discounts given to disabled persons traveling abroad for treatment or to their caregivers place minimal financial burden on PIA.
He pointed out that Pakistan has a comprehensive law in the form of the “Disability Act 2022” for persons with disabilities, which requires full implementation. The Act includes provisions for special concessions in travel and medical treatment, among other facilities for persons with disabilities.
Mr. Imtiaz Baloch made a strong appeal to Prime Minister Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, PIA Managing Director Mr. Arif Habib, and Minister for Law & Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar to:
1. Restore at least a 50% discount for persons with disabilities traveling via PIA.
2. Announce a 40% discount for each of the two attendants traveling with disabled persons.
3. Make all domestic and foreign airlines, besides PIA, bound to provide similar concessions for disabled persons and their attendants traveling within or outside Pakistan.
