A Boeing-777 aircraft of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was seized by Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Airport due to non-payment of aircraft lease dues, according to local media reports. 

The PIA plane was seized on the order of a local Malaysian court over the non-payment of $4 million, Daily Pakistan reported.  

This was for the second time when a PIA plane was seized. Earlier, it was stopped from flying after the passengers had boarded the plane, the report said. The aircraft was released by the authorities back then after intervention by Pakistan diplomats. On January 27 along with 173 passengers and crew members on board. 

Also back then, Pakistan used diplomatic channels to assure payment of dues and got permission for the flight.  

After the plane was seized, PIA had to send another plane to Kuala Lumpur to airlift the crew and passengers stranded following the incident. 

PIA, which is the flag carrier in the country, has been s struggling with financial difficulties over the last few years. The incident also comes at a time when the Pakistani economy is grappling with mounting debt and skyrocketing inflation. 

The crisis-hit country is trying hard to secure a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avoid bankruptcy.   

A PIA spokesperson told the media the Boeing 777 aircraft was owned by the PIA, adding that the engine leasing company submitted false facts and figures to get a stay order. He said the PIA had cleared the dues.  

The spokesperson said the national carrier had approached the Malaysian court to take up the matter. 

Image Source: TOI