The Pakistani Spectator

I have to go to Karachi on a short trip and return was planned the same day. Therefore, I asked my brother to book a seat in Pakistan International Airline (PIA). He did the same and gave me the confirmation code and the fare was amounting to Rs 11,740. The seat’s booking validity was 24 hrs and before it I have to purchase the ticket.

I went to airport to purchase ticket on 19th January 2008 as it was 9th of Muharam-ul-Haram and the market was closed. I remained stunned when asked by the ticketing clerk to pay the fare which was above Rs 16,000. I asked him I was told the amount of ticket is Rs 11,740 not what are you telling me now. The clerk said the return ticket amount is over Rs 9,000. I asked him why it is so and why the booking clerk told me that amount initially. The he called that person who booked the seat and gave the phone to me to talk. I inquired why it is so. The booking clerk told me that we have to hear the recorded call should I book your seat in earlier flight for return then you have to pay the return fare amounting to over Rs 7,000 then you may save almost Rs 2,000. I purchased the ticket by paying Rs 12,890 instead of the actual amount at the time of booking Rs 11,740. Taking the money and giving me the ticket the ticketing clerk said ‘SORRY SIR WE DON’T HAVE ENVELOPE’. I replied ‘DON’T WORRY WE KNOW WE ARE TRAVELLING BY PIA’.

Amazingly upon return from Karachi I asked the hostess to give me the newspaper ‘DAWN’. Scrolling through it I got me eyes on a write-up in the sections of letters to editor. Just listen the story of a person who purchased ticket for his wife (as told by him, wording may not be same):

“I asked the ticket clerk to give me return ticket as my wife has to go. When I gave credit card for the payment the clerk said sir please go to that kiosk to pay via credit card. I did the same and when I got my credit card statement the amount was higher than the ticket price. I called the concerned person in PIA asked for it. They replied sir if you purchase a ticket from kiosk the transaction is routed through foreign bank and the exchange rate of dollar of that day applies to the amount may vary. I said when I am purchasing ticket to travel within Pakistan, paying via credit card mean issued by a Pakistani Bank, my account currency is Pakistani Rupee then what is the interference of US Dollar inthat?