Friday, January 18, 2019

TEHRAN (IQNA) – The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has banned in-flight entertainment for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims traveling to Jeddah and Medina and will only play Quranic verses and naats for them, an official of the national carrier said on Thursday.

“The decision to play Quranic verses and naats (recitation of poetry praising the Prophet) during taxing and landing for flights to Jeddah and Madina has been taken in light of people’s sentiments,” PIA spokesman Mashhood Tajawar told PTI.

No other music will be available in the in-flight entertainment system, he said, adding that the impression that the PIA has banned music on all routes is incorrect.

“This is only for Jeddah and Medina as the people go there on holy journey. Therefore, playing music/songs on these routes is not appropriate,” Tajwar said, adding that passengers of other flights will have access to the in-flight entertainment system available on the aircraft.

The PIA has also decided to welcome passengers on board with the Qaseeda Burda Sharif (Islamic hymn) playing in the background instead of soft music.

“A rendition of the Qaseeda Burda Sharif, a popular Islamic hymn, will be played while passengers board PIA airplanes for all domestic and international flights,” Tajwar said.

Source: http://iqna.ir/en/news/3467723/pakistani-airline-to-replace-music-with-quran-in-hajj-flights