The emergence of private airlines in Pakistan was a welcome development specially with the consistent decline of local carriers. However, while Aviation authorities monitor the technical standards of an airline, it is also equally important to monitor the fare policy. The fares are changed by the hour, and sometimes even by minutes.
I recently travelled from Karachi to Peshawar and the fare was Rs25,000. On return from Peshawar, I ended up paying Rs44,000. This rapid rise in fares is not only unjust but amounts to exploitation of passengers.
People travelling to Peshawar do so mostly due to urgent reasons, condolences or weddings. There is just one airline with regular flights, leading to their monopoly and unjust escalation in fares. The aviation ministry has a responsibility to safeguard the rights of passengers, making it possible to travel with an anticipated budget. I hope authorities will monitor fares and set an upper limit in all domestic flights.
Mohammad Ishaq
Karachi
