ISLAMABAD: “Privatisation of the national flag carrier is not in the manifesto of the PTI government and therefore it has initiated a reform process to overcome losses being incurred by the airline,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said while chairing a meeting held to discuss PIA and its revival on Wednesday, 5 February.
The prime minister stressed that the reason behind reforms in PIA was to save the national flag carrier from consistent losses and make it a profitable entity.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Finance Asad Umar, Federal Minister for Aviation Mohammad Mian Soomro and PIA Chief Executive Officer retired air marshal Arshad Mehmood.
On the occasion, the PIA CEO apprised Prime Minister Imran Khan that a comprehensive business plans for the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be ready by the end of March.
The PIA CEO informed the prime minister about progress on the steps taken for the revival of national flag carrier. A detailed briefing was also given regarding steps being taken for turning the PIA into a profit generating organisation and removal of corrupt elements.
It was also brought into knowledge of the prime minister that 194 PIA staffers, including seven captains, 73 cabin crew members and other officials were sent home during an ongoing drive against employees appointed on bogus educational certificates.
Earlier this month the prime minister was apprised that PIA losses had crossed Rs414 billion mark. PM Khan had directed the PIA chairman to devise a comprehensive business plan to overcome losses.
The prime minister was informed that the total losses of PIA were Rs414.3bn and the organisation was facing a deficit of Rs500 million on seven international routes in addition to loss on domestic routes.
It was also brought into knowledge of the prime minister that 194 PIA staffers, including seven captains, 73 cabin crew members and other officials were sent home during an ongoing drive against employees appointed on bogus educational certificates.
The Aviation Division secretary briefed the prime minister about the new aviation policy. The PM directed that people should be kept informed about the steps being taken for improving the state carrier’s affairs.
Sources added that PIA’s board has also finished interviewing shortlisted candidates for the post of CEO, and the name is expected to be announced in the coming days. The interviews were conducted at the Aviation Division and those in the running for the post also include the current CEO.
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