"PIA - Panic In Air, Pray I Arrive" Pakistan by CliffClaven

Pakistan Travel Guide: 3,772 reviews and 8,289 photos

Old Cliffie was beginning to get just a bit apprehensive when he got to the third security check - in the galley on board the aircraft - when he first flew on Pakistan International Airlines. For a long forgotten reason, he was routed via Karachi on the way from Asia to Europe. After the usual cursory check by Indian security officials at Delhi airport, there was a second check at the foot of the stairs to the aircraft, and then a third and thorough check on board. They were going to make pretty sure that no one hijacked this flight.

While all the checks were reassuring in one sense, there was still the niggling question: Why? Had there been a specific threat against the airline? And it didn't help when during the flight the captain announced: Insh'Allah - if it pleases Allah - we shall be landing in ten minutes.

The apprehension was only subjective, of course - the flight went without hitch, and the cabin service was friendly and efficient - but old Cliffie was curiously relieved when he got off the plane in Karachi. Ten minutes later he was wishing he was back on board again, as the chaos that is Karachi began to swamp him.

There were four hours between flights, and you know: old Cliffie only just made it! For security reasons, luggage could not be checked through to the final destination. It had to be reclaimed, inspected, hauled several hundred metres to another terminal building and then checked in again. And that meant pushing through dozens of eager hands - and hundreds of light fingers? - offering help.

PIA advertise that they are 'Great people to fly with'. Just don't get off the plane in Karachi.

Intro Written Sep 27, 2002
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Rent a car - Insh'Allah Transportation (1)

Rent a car! On second thoughts, perhaps not such a good idea in Karachi's honking traffic. There are plenty of firms... more travel advice

Slugging it out on the cricket pitch - Pakistan

Slugging it out on the cricket pitch Local Customs (1)

While Pakistan and India have spent most of the last half century bickering with each other and glowering across fragile... more travel advice

Bright British red Things to Do (3)

A sight to gladden the Mailman's heart! No guesses for who inspired these mailboxes, a relic of British colonial rule in... more travel advice

Shalimar Gardens Things to Do (3)

Old Cliffie has visited most of the major Moghul sights in northern India, which explains why Lahore has to be on the... more travel advice

Comments (38)

Reply
- Report abuse
uglyscot Jan 19, 2007 at 1:09 AM

You've left me sitting on the fence: will I, won't I?
Reply
- Report abuse
besal Oct 24, 2005 at 9:04 PM

PIA - you forgot - Perhaps I arrived, pain in the aXX, please inform Allah.
Reply
- Report abuse
XenaWarriorPrincess Jul 25, 2004 at 1:21 AM

Interesting page on Pakistan . You know a lot considering youre not a Pakistani and me being a Pakistani is still learning about Pakistan even after 25 years ,funny:)hope your visit to Pakistan was okay ?
Reply
- Report abuse
thelittlevoice Sep 10, 2003 at 9:14 AM

awesome story :) i'd love to go there one day.
Reply
- Report abuse
Bonobo2005 Jun 6, 2003 at 2:45 AM

the cricket...big thing... Exciting plane trip by the way, horrible actually!
Reply
- Report abuse
djennewein Apr 28, 2003 at 10:23 AM

great story
Reply
- Report abuse
Nanumi Jul 23, 2002 at 12:05 AM

Memories, memories....
Reply
- Report abuse
SilverVelvet Jul 6, 2002 at 7:04 AM

Glad Allah was pleased and your plane landed.
Reply
- Report abuse
Faiza-Ifrah Jul 3, 2002 at 1:00 PM

try our railways & u will be in love with PIA
Reply
- Report abuse
undermysky Jun 10, 2002 at 6:42 AM

also Prayers In (the) Air...