News Desk: During a recent Balochistan Assembly session, legislators voiced serious concerns over the steep rise in domestic airline ticket prices, urging authorities to take swift measures to make air travel affordable again. Lawmakers stressed that the surge is particularly affecting residents of Balochistan, where flights have become a critical alternative due to road safety concerns.
Ticket prices for routes such as Quetta–Karachi, Quetta–Islamabad, and other major domestic sectors have climbed to an eye-watering Rs60,000–80,000. Officials and passengers attribute the surge mainly to the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, which has forced more people to rely on air travel instead of road journeys.
Former provincial minister Zmarak Khan Achakzai criticized the hike, warning that airlines should not exploit the public.
“These fares are excessive and completely unjustified. For many, flying has become a necessity, not a luxury. The government must intervene to ensure prices are fair and manageable,” he said.
Former Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly Raheela Durrani expressed concern over the burden on ordinary citizens:
“Such exorbitant rates are creating undue hardship. Ticket prices should be reasonable, and authorities must act promptly to prevent exploitation.”
Mena Majeed Baloch highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable groups:
“High airfares are hitting those who travel for critical reasons, including medical treatment and education. The authorities need to enforce a reduction immediately to ensure essential travel remains possible.”
Former government spokesperson Farah Azeem Shah urged the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to strengthen regulatory oversight:
“The absence of proper fare regulation is evident. Implementing a transparent and enforceable pricing system is crucial to protect passengers from arbitrary increases.”
Residents across Balochistan have called on the federal government, CAA, and airline operators to urgently reassess and lower domestic airfare rates before the situation escalates further.
