Pakistan airline suspends flights from Kabul citing Taliban’s interference

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Thursday announced the suspension of flights from Kabul, accusing the Taliban of “heavy-handed” interference, according to news agencies. The Taliban government had ordered Pakistan’s national flag carrier to cut prices to the levels when it was operating during the Western-backed Afghan government. PIA accused the Sunni Pashtun group, which announced an interim government last month, of arbitrary rule changes and intimidation of staff.

“We are suspending our flight operations to Kabul from today because of the heavy-handedness of the authorities,” news agency Reuters quoted PIA spokesperson as saying.

Reports suggest that Taliban officials used derogatory language towards the airline staff and also manhandled a staff member. PIA spokesperson has said the flights to and from Kabul will remain suspended until “the situation becomes conducive”, reported AFP.