Operation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier of the country, was severely hit on Tuesday due to a shortage of funds, leaving several of its domestic and international flights cancelled, media reports said.

Sources told Geo News that a number of domestic flights to and from Karachi were cancelled as the national flag carrier failed to pay Pakistan State Oil (PSO) for fuel supply.

A number of flights have been called off including two Karachi-Muscat, and two-way domestic ones from Karachi to Faisalabad, Islamabad and Lahore, sources said.

Similarly, fights from Karachi to Turbat, Bahawalpur, and Sukkur have also been scratched, airline sources told the news channel.

According to reports, the national carrier has asked the government for immediate provision of funds.

Sources told Geo News the salaries of PIA employees were also not paid.

A PIA spokesperson in a statement said management is in touch with the Ministry of Finance and the salaries of the employees will be paid as soon as the funds are received.