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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s first Islamic-compliant airline Rayani Air began operations on Sunday with its maiden flight taking off from the capital to the resort island of Langkawi, local media reported.
In-flight meals served on board its flights are completely halal, with alcohol consumption strictly prohibited.
Muslim flight crew must don the hijab while non-Muslim crew are to be decently dressed, managing director Jaafar Zamhari told reporters. There will also be prayer recitals before take-off.
“We are the first Malaysian airline to be shariah-compliant based on guidelines by relevant authorities. We are proud of this,” Jaffar was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper.
“The shariah-compliant aspects will be refined as time goes by,” he added using the Arabic word for Islamic law.
There are already other shariah-friendly carriers operating around the world, and UK-based Firnas Airways is planning to offer similar flights next year, according to a Bloomberg new agency report. Under the concept of halal — meaning “permissible” in Arabic — pork and its by-products, alcohol and animals not slaughtered according to Islamic procedures are all “haram” or forbidden.
Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2015
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Comments (104) Closed
Dec 21, 2015 10:46am
PIA is one of them.
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Dec 21, 2015 11:03am
Congratulation, a leap in the right direction.
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Dec 21, 2015 11:17am
Good, all airlines in the world should work towards this goal.
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Dec 21, 2015 11:18am
Congratulation. Wish you successful.
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Dec 21, 2015 11:46am
Wow... I am bit reluctant to believe that we live in 21st century...
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Dec 21, 2015 11:49am
Hopefully will have better safety record than Malaysian Airlines.
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Dec 21, 2015 11:51am
Malaysian Airlines ???
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Dec 21, 2015 12:00pm
My prayers are with you. May you excel in this field.
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Dec 21, 2015 12:21pm
Ryanair ... as far as I know is Irish airline which is well known for its cheap ticket philosiphy. I fly every weekend to london from Barcelona with this airline.
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Dec 21, 2015 12:36pm
All stewards to have a beard?
All air hostesses to wear hijab?
No interest in the business?
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Dec 21, 2015 12:36pm
Ask Donald Trump about his opinion about this airline and see what he has to say
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Dec 21, 2015 12:37pm
Another move in the bad direction. It will only widen the mental gap between Muslims and non Muslims, who all are living in one global village. Why we are busy all the time showing people that we are different from others and then cry over discrimination and Islamophobia?
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Dec 21, 2015 12:58pm
@Mari khan its rayani air not rayan bro
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Dec 21, 2015 01:42pm
Great decision...hat off to Malaysian
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Dec 21, 2015 01:44pm
God save Malaysia.
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Dec 21, 2015 01:50pm
This is just a marketing stunt. You can demand halal food on any airline. As far as alcohol goes, its up to you to take it or not...no one forces you. And prayers....I am sure you can say your own prayers.
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Dec 21, 2015 01:50pm
Yes PIA and Saudia Airlines also serve Halal food, no alcohol and the hostesses are dressed decently. So the claim of being the world's first Sharia-compliant airline is not true. That said, great move by this new airline. Keep it up!
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Dec 21, 2015 02:10pm
PIA already does all this so what is the difference?
Anyways wish them all the success.
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Dec 21, 2015 02:13pm
@SirJee We do live in 21st century and there is something called choice ... which means you dont have to fly with them if you are too uptight about the idea.
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Dec 21, 2015 02:20pm
@Mari khan thats ryan air not ryani air
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Dec 21, 2015 02:36pm
it is a good effort especially for Muslim, halal meat is a big issue, halal animal is another thing, but halal animal's slaughtering according to Islam made him "halal meat". namaz time announcement will help to offer namaz at right time. i hope they kept a separate place for namaz in plane.
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Dec 21, 2015 02:56pm
Another failure like Saudia and PIA in the making. PIA and Saudia were no role models to follow
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Dec 21, 2015 02:59pm
Congrats.
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Dec 21, 2015 03:03pm
@Gaurav Arya
Dear On this airlines , no one can have it and thus its making it completely free of any prohibited thing.
I hope you would understand and appreciate the sentiments brother.
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Dec 21, 2015 03:04pm
@Zak
All cabin crews are usually decently dressed. We shouldn't expect to impose our values on others, also not all nations are conservative or muslim.
Even Emirates and other middle eastern carriers don't serve alcohol on certain routes and serve halal meats. If there ever is a special meal request on a flight that is always accorded if its done well in advance.
There is nothing wrong with this but we shouldn't except everyone to conform to our personal value systems(Muslim,Hindu,Christian etc). Vibrancy in diversity.
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Dec 21, 2015 03:04pm
WOW.
Congratulations Malaysia.
By the way, PIA has been doing this for a long time now.
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Dec 21, 2015 03:23pm
@Zak why? You have a choice to pick the airline, which is compatible with your faith, but you should not expect others to do the same.
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Dec 21, 2015 03:24pm
@Mari khan This is "Rayani Air".
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Dec 21, 2015 03:34pm
@Zak "all" airlines?
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Dec 21, 2015 03:44pm
iran air was doing this for last 30 years...
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Dec 21, 2015 03:49pm
This should also be extended to the pilots and staff of our own airlines.
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Dec 21, 2015 03:50pm
Do they serve any food on board during Ramadan?
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Dec 21, 2015 03:52pm
@Abdulla Hussain
"a leap in the right direction"
Indeed a step in the right direction.
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Dec 21, 2015 03:54pm
It's marketing. I guess if there is a demand for this service then good luck to them. But it can't claim to be the first airline offering this service.
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Dec 21, 2015 04:10pm
These are public carriers and not royal family planes. How any body put religious restrictions on public services.
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Dec 21, 2015 04:25pm
@srirama Yes, because fasting is not compulsary for the traveller during Ramadan.
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Dec 21, 2015 04:27pm
It's a very good news, I hope all Muslims countries should also follow with cheapest rates.
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Dec 21, 2015 04:27pm
@Zak What goal and Why?
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Dec 21, 2015 04:34pm
Why this obsession with religion and desire to wear it on sleeve and then complain about Islamophobia. Why can't we keep religion at home.
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Dec 21, 2015 04:35pm
very good news
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Dec 21, 2015 04:43pm
Great going
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Dec 21, 2015 05:09pm
@Mari khan it's Rayani air
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Dec 21, 2015 05:16pm
@ ZAK....Good, all airlines in the world should work towards this goal.
Are you kidding?
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Dec 21, 2015 05:23pm
@saif check your google before commenting.
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Dec 21, 2015 05:29pm
@Nizamuddin There are no restrictions for travelers, they have the choice to use any other carrier.
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Dec 21, 2015 05:40pm
Can Malaysian Airlines not implement Islamic values, being a Muslim Country? Then they will lose so many tourists. I think they should not indulge in muslim or non-muslim airlines, because it is a business and business is secular.
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Dec 21, 2015 06:02pm
@Gaurav Arya "This is just a marketing stunt"
Every ad is a marketing stunt. They are offering this to a certain segment of the society and they are saying we offer all these things to you. It's up to the people to take up the offer and fly with them. They are not forcing anyone. These days consumers select the airline with good safety record and price of ticket. People don't much care what is being served on the plane.
I like the idea so I hope it is a success.
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Dec 21, 2015 06:30pm
Good move
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Dec 21, 2015 07:12pm
@Tariq Amir you are the only one who seems to see it in the right perspective. .
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Dec 21, 2015 07:47pm
Really positive step.
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Dec 21, 2015 07:58pm
I am Muslim but I consider this to be too extreme. There is no need for this.
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Dec 21, 2015 09:23pm
What if some Indian company Starts no Non-Veg Flights?
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Dec 21, 2015 09:40pm
A step backward, Malaysia shall look forward and get out of this.
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Dec 21, 2015 10:34pm
All airlines run by Muslim countries should adapt to Islamic and halal culture to protect and prosper the prevailing Islamic culture and values. We can save our future generation by exposing them and expereincing them with what and who we are. I believe that Islamic culture and values are very stronger and effective to survive and prosper.
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Dec 21, 2015 10:47pm
@Gaurav Arya spot on. No need to "show" God what you are doing. Just do it if you believe in it. And please dont force it on others.
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Dec 21, 2015 10:52pm
This is not the first Islamic compliant, PIA already flying on similiar traditions. Just to attract more business Rayani Air is convessing it's services.
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Dec 21, 2015 11:38pm
If they can add a small prayer room with a Qibla direction compass, that would be great. This is one aspect which lacks in most airlines. Saudi airlines being an exception.
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Dec 21, 2015 11:53pm
When mentioning other Aitlines serving Muslim Meals and offering Journey Doa then why do we forget to mention also Iran Air ?
Saudi Airlines and Iran Air are understandable that they have relatively stricter adherence to Islamic rules. However, any other Airline of a Muslim Country do not need to that. They may follow the lines of Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines and some more where Muslim Halal Meals are served in any case. Alcoholic Drinks are served with restrictions only. Restrictionc Rules may be chalked out by the Airlines individually.
By the way All other Airlines of the world serve Muslim Meal ( Halal) to Muslim Passengers on ordering at the time of booking the journey as they do it with Veg meals for Hindu passengers.
There is no reason for complicating the matter.
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Dec 22, 2015 12:21am
Good step. deserve due appreciation.
Malaysia has exhibited a very balanced model of enlightened moderation; having a moderate approach while following the fundamental values of Islam. But our society has been misguided by Musharraf's enlightened moderation concept which literally means westernisation.
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Dec 22, 2015 12:28am
Who cares, It's just a fancy dress to me... I'll fly if they keep the price lowest! Not drinking alcohol or not gettin bacons for few hours are not end of life! Chillax! :)
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Dec 22, 2015 12:36am
So no interest or sood which is challange. That will dtermine shariah compliant more than serving halal food.
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Dec 22, 2015 12:43am
@Tariq Amir Bhai.. Your comment is the most sensible and positive one. Hope others understand this. :)
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Dec 22, 2015 12:47am
All this is marketing gimmick. Ryanni Air (they may get sued by Ryanair) isn't owned by mullahs. Its a business and what they are doing is to ensure profitable revenue stream.
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Dec 22, 2015 01:27am
@Gaurav Arya I am muslim and agree with you, I ordered Halal food on British , American and on United, Prayers you can do it in your sear since you are travelling , its more safe this way and alcohol its your choice, they will not force on you. PIA, Golf, Qatar, Attehad almost all the air lines are giving option of Halal food. Dopatta or hijab is used by emirates , PIA and few others. Anyway its ok move
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Dec 22, 2015 01:30am
@Yousaf brother in traveling better option is do prayers in your seat, its for your own safety. Prayers time you cannot announce due to horizon change while travelling. Islam is as a religion is very flexible, so lets not make it too hard please.
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Dec 22, 2015 02:14am
Will they allow non compliant passengers ? Will it only fly through Islamic nations ?
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Dec 22, 2015 02:18am
The suggestion that other airlines dress codes are indecent is abhorrent. Halal or not, quality food is important. Islamic or not safe and comfortable travel is important.
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Dec 22, 2015 02:32am
Just what the world needs.
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Dec 22, 2015 02:49am
This is the way to go. Congratulation.
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Dec 22, 2015 03:15am
@Naeem The name and the color scheme resembles Ryanair.
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Dec 22, 2015 04:25am
These stunts will never impress the world as long as we stay behind in science and technology and be really able to contribute in others life. Right now, our contribution as Muslims in others life is very negative.
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Dec 22, 2015 04:38am
@Mari khan ,Its Ryani Air Mari, NOT Ryan Air. Get it.
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Dec 22, 2015 04:43am
We are waiting for an airline for Islamic-Compliant passengers only.
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Dec 22, 2015 04:58am
Good. Other Muslim countries should make and enforce such Flight Experience.
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Dec 22, 2015 05:50am
Why???
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Dec 22, 2015 05:59am
@Mari khan it is not Ryan air, see spellings to confirm
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Dec 22, 2015 06:17am
@Raza Ahamd very well said, religion is only to be practiced in private and not be forced on public.
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Dec 22, 2015 06:24am
Sharia compliant airline ? Serving hallal food ? You have choice of different foods in almost all the airline, where you can specify halal or vegetarian (which is essentially halal). And for the dress, has anyone noticed anything inappropriate in PIA, Qatar airline Ettihad, Emirates, Singapore airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air India, Qantas, Virgin Airlines, Lufthansa, .... Looks like another marketing gimmick.
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Dec 22, 2015 06:39am
What's next. A Christian and Hindu compliant airline, where all passengers including Muslims will have to follow their customs like Catholic prayers, Wine for all passengers, etc.
I think that is when we will realize imposing Islamic or any religious norms on every passenger is in human and disrespectful to those of different religions.
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Dec 22, 2015 09:07am
Laughable...
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Dec 22, 2015 09:36am
@haque khan For your information PIA used to be a role model till the time there was no or almost no corruption in It. PIA's downfall started with corruption and political appointments after Air Martials Noor Khan and Asghar Khan's era.
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Dec 22, 2015 09:45am
@Raza Ahamd If some Indian airline starts no non-veg meal that is that airlines choice and flying or not flying by that airline is your choice, so what's wrong with it?
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Dec 22, 2015 12:07pm
Women and men sitting arrangement are also separate?
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Dec 22, 2015 12:21pm
@Shaukat Yes we have a totally original name! No resemblance to Ryan Air.
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Dec 22, 2015 03:03pm
A step in the right direction.
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Dec 22, 2015 03:05pm
@Tariq Amir I think the mental gap goes in both ways. Why should only muslims try to appease western ideals? When you travel with airlines in the west, they follow their own set of values. Flying with a airline based in a muslim country should have the freedom to do the same. This is called diversity. You are calling for assimilation in order to appease people.
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Dec 22, 2015 03:07pm
@Ashfaq That is because you have a very hollow understanding of your own religion. If you spent more time on studying Islam, if you really are sincere, then perhaps you will get the answers you need.
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Dec 22, 2015 03:08pm
@Rasheed Gadit They will not lose tourists as long as you do not harass the tourists or make the experience uncomfortable.
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Dec 22, 2015 03:09pm
@Roy Well said. That is indeed true.
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Dec 22, 2015 03:16pm
Very discouraging news. Such small small steps always go on marginalising the Muslim community further among the world countries. It is not desirable to bring 'religious touch' in every walk of public life. One needs to understand this.
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Dec 22, 2015 04:00pm
@Saqib Ali. I am afraid it is people with this kind of mentality who are responsible for the backwardness of Pakistan.
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Dec 22, 2015 07:24pm
@haque khan well said bro
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Dec 22, 2015 07:37pm
One wonders why a famous n able leader with a brilliant vision n mind (reference to former PM Dr. Mahatar Muhammad)did not think of this aspect of aviation breakthrough in customer services. But I think the present management is keen to project Malaysian image in terms of ethnicity and religion. When PIA was in top series of the world and pioneer of a wonderful customer services in whole Asia, the Singapore n Malaysian airlines was assisted by us and later PIA also patronized n fathered Emirate. So as long as ethnic traffic travel keep on travelling on such airlines! it keeps going otherwise internationally it may not be a big deal for travelling public rather a negative profile in terms of customer services.
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Dec 22, 2015 08:31pm
@Tariq Amir: Amen to that good sir...
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Dec 22, 2015 08:54pm
well I believe it is nothing more than a good marketing strategy...
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Dec 23, 2015 01:24am
@Zak : Woah, Zak, not all the world! only Islamic nations which want to fly ONLY Mulsims!
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Dec 23, 2015 01:25am
@Fahad :On a long flight, where do people pray?
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Dec 23, 2015 02:04am
@Fahad And what field is that?
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Dec 23, 2015 02:14am
@Raza Ahamd Please explain what on gods green earth do you mean?
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Dec 23, 2015 05:50am
A Leap backwards.
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Dec 23, 2015 07:11am
Roy, Mubashir, Tariq Amir, You rock!!!
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Dec 23, 2015 05:55pm
Islamic Airlines? Christian Airlines, Buddhist Airlines and Hindu Airlines also can be expected in future.
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Dec 23, 2015 06:04pm
This is not the first. PIA has been since 70s
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Dec 23, 2015 10:07pm
What is this fix on 'air stewardess dressing decently'? I board the plane for it's price, ontime performance and safety. I don't get into some plane for air stewardesses. It is just a business ploy to fill the gap created due to lack of confidence in the country's major carriers. Only gullible people will take that bait. God forbid, if any disaster happens to that airline, will you blame religion?
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