Interesting thread. Though I hate to see it being turned into a slagging contest. So much has been said regarding the offending PIA pilot being a muslim, that a phone call to Karachi and a PIA pal was in order. I'll try to state the facts:-
1. Yes it was a PIA captain detailed to operate the B-777 MAN-LHE service.
2. Parents- Father (Muslim) Mother (Catholic).
3. PIA has/had employed Christians, Parsis, Hindus, Buddhists etc. A few years ago the DFO was a christian pilot, and other christian pilots have held management positions in PIA Flight Ops.
4. Pakistanis irrespective of their religion like to drink alcohol. Most Parlaimentarians, Judges, Ministers, Bureaucrats, Generals & those occupying the highest offices drink alcohol habitually; despite its being banned for Muslims.
5. Most world class brands of alcohol are freely available on the black market as is the locally produced beer and spirits.
6. An inquiry is being held, and if found guilty as charged the concerned PIA pilot faces dismissal from service.
Cheers
