The recent attack by terrorists on the Karachi International airport, which saw the death of 38 people including the terrorists, caused waves of concern around the world. It raised eyebrows regarding the security of government installations in Pakistan. Although the terrorists were killed it seems they succeeded in achieving their goal of disrupting operations as Cathay Pacific becomes the first airline to suspend operations in Pakistan.
The Hong Kong based airline issued a statement through its Pakistan sales manager that Cathay Pacific will suspend flights to and from Pakistan for an indefinite period of time. the decision was taken due to increased security threats from the Taliban who warned international airlines to wrap up business in Pakistan or face attacks.
A Cathay Pacific spokeswoman in Hong Kong said though that the decision was taken primarily because of commercial reasons. Cathay will operate 14 more flights to and from Karachi with its last flight from Hong Kong to Karachi on 28 June. The last flight from Karachi to Bangkok will depart on 29 June.
Cathay Pacific’s Pakistan sales manager Sohail Younas said that they would continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan to decide the future of the airline in Pakistan. The British Airways had similarly ceased operations in Pakistan after an attack on a hotel in Islamabad in 2008.