At the interbank forex market, the rupee opened lower at 69.11 and weakened further to 69.17 on increased demand from importers. However, it recovered partially to quote 15 paise down at 69.15 against the dollar.

Since a larger number of it is over 100-fleet are grounded leading to drastically curtailed operations, the airline is struggling to prevent a nose-dive somehow.

Pakistan's $277 billion economy is less than one-tenth of India's.