ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national airline recently instructed its pilots and cabin crew members against fasting while flying during Ramadan, saying it could result in wrong and delayed actions due to impaired judgment and put the lives of passengers at risk.
In a safety advisory issued to staff members on Mar. 8, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) said while the sanctity of a fast is undeniable, people go through a change in routine to do so. It pointed out that fasting can cause hypoglycemia, dehydration, impaired judgment, slow reflexes, deterioration of judgment, and lowered stamina.
“After considering all the factors objectively, it would be clear that flying while fasting is not only risking your own life but that of others too, in the aircraft and on the ground,” the PIA said.
“It is, therefore, necessary that all those cockpit/cabin crew who are observing fast are advised “NOT” to fly.”
Muslims fast from dawn till dusk during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. They avoid eating, drinking and even smoking during the practice, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country where more than ninety percent of its over 240 million people practice Islam, and most of them fast during the holy month.
The PIA further said that if any licensed pilot or crew member is aware or has reasonable grounds to believe that their physical condition has deteriorated, even if only temporarily due to a minor ailment or by a period of fasting, they shall not perform their duties until they are satisfied that their condition has improved.
“It is advised that cockpit crew/cabin crew should refrain from fasting,” the national flag carrier said.
Pakistan’s national airline instructs pilots, cabin crew against flying while fasting in Ramadan
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Pakistan’s national airline instructs pilots, cabin crew against flying while fasting in Ramadan
- In safety advisory to employees, Pakistan International Airlines says fasting can cause impaired judgment on part of pilots, cabin crew
- Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country where over 90 percent of its 240 million people are Muslim, and many fast in Ramadan
Pakistan shuts key motorway routes as dense fog envelopes parts of Punjab
- Pakistan shuts Lahore to Sambrial, Thokar Niaz Baig to Kot Momin areas along motorway due to reduce visibility
- Motorway police advise citizens to avoid overspeeding, lane violations and unnecessary traveling amid smog conditions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities closed key routes on the motorway on Saturday night as thick fog enveloped parts of the eastern Punjab province, the motorway police said in a statement, to save lives and reduce the chance of accidents due to reduced visibility.
Punjab cities face worsening smog each winter, driven by crop burning, vehicle emissions and industrial pollution that threatens public health and daily life. The smog season typically begins in late October, peaks between November and January and can persist through February.
As per a statement released by the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP), the M-2 motorway was closed from Thokar Niaz Baig to Kot Momin, the M-3 motorway section was closed from Faizpur to Darkhana and the M-4 area from Pindi Bhattiyan to Abdul Hakeem was also closed. The M-11 route was also closed from the provincial capital Lahore to Sambrial.
“The closure of motorways is aimed at ensuring the safety of life and property of the public,” NHMP’s central region spokesperson said in a statement.
He warned that lane violations during the prevalent smog can cause accidents, adding that visibility on the National Highway ranges from zero to 100 meters.
“Citizens are advised to prefer traveling during daytime hours,” he said. “Safe traveling time is from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.”
The police spokesperson urged citizens to avoid overspeeding and advised them to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead while driving.
The development takes place as two of Pakistan’s largest cities, Karachi and Lahore, were ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world by the Swiss air monitoring agency IQAir on Sunday morning.
Karachi was ranked as the fourth-most polluted city in the world with an air quality index of 215 (very unhealthy) while Lahore was placed at number five with an AQI of 199 (unhealthy).
