PIA grounded flights nationwide after engineers struck over pay and safety, halting operations for over two months.

Pakistan International Airlines flights were grounded nationwide as aircraft engineers, part of the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan, withheld airworthiness clearances in a protest over pay, safety concerns, and management practices. The strike, ongoing for over two months, disrupted international and domestic routes, stranding passengers including Umrah pilgrims. PIA called the action illegal under the 1952 Pakistan Essential Services Act, accused the engineers of undermining privatization efforts, and vowed disciplinary measures. The airline is securing engineering support from other carriers to restore operations, while the government aims to complete PIA’s privatization by year-end.