PTBP Web Desk
Minister for Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stated that the government will need to address Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)’s staggering Rs800 billion liabilities as a prerequisite for its privatization. Speaking in response to a calling attention notice in the National Assembly, the minister highlighted the pressing financial challenges faced by the national carrier and the steps required for its revival and potential sale.
The aviation minister revealed that PIA’s total liabilities amount to Rs800 billion, which must be assumed by the government before any privatization efforts can proceed. This financial restructuring is necessary to make the airline viable for prospective buyers.
Khawaja Asif further announced that PIA’s flights to the United Kingdom are expected to resume soon. This development comes as part of the government’s efforts to restore international operations that were severely affected following a controversial statement made by a former minister of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. The statement, which raised doubts about pilot certifications, led to bans on PIA flights in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Asif blamed former Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan for the financial and operational crises faced by PIA. He stated that the ban on PIA flights imposed by international aviation authorities resulted in significant revenue losses for the airline. However, he shared that flights to European Union countries have already resumed, marking a positive milestone achieved through the government’s sustained diplomatic efforts.
PIA’s operations to the UK are now contingent upon passing an audit by a UK-based team, scheduled to visit Pakistan in January 2024. “Once this audit is successfully conducted, PIA will qualify to resume flights to the UK,” Asif assured.
Highlighting the airline’s operational constraints, Asif disclosed that PIA currently operates a fleet of only 15 aircraft, none of which are small enough to efficiently service primary and secondary domestic routes. This limitation hampers PIA’s ability to provide comprehensive coverage within Pakistan and compete with private airlines that dominate these routes.
The government’s focus on addressing PIA’s financial liabilities reflects its broader commitment to reviving the aviation sector and ensuring operational sustainability. By tackling the airline’s debt and facilitating the resumption of international flights, the administration aims to restore PIA’s reputation and enhance its appeal to potential investors.
