THE recent announcement by British Airways to resume flights from Islamabad has been welcomed by all and sundry with great excitement, as if the foreign airline is offering free rides.

President Arif Alvi, on one hand, is appealing to the nation to buy Pakistani products only, while on the other, congratulations are pouring in, appreciating the government`s diplomatic skills in negotiating BA`s comeback, although, it`s a business deal by the airline to augment its revenues from a very potentially lucrative sector.

With the slightest pain or discomfort, we condemn our airline, and are all set to patronise a foreign airline. At what cost? No one seems to realise the repercussions.

For one, it will badly affect PIA`s business. PIA will face stiffer competition, than it is already facing after the introduction of the open sky policy.

Secondly, the economy will also suffer as the government will have to continue with the annual bailout package for the national carrier. Furthermore, the earning made by the foreign airline will also be repatriated, which would again hit our foreign exchange reserves.

Khaled Islamabad