Govt to Take on Rs800bn PIA Liabilities to Facilitate Privatization: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif revealed on Monday that the government will bear Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) liabilities of Rs800 billion to pave the way for its privatization. Addressing concerns regarding non-operation of private airlines on domestic routes, Asif outlined the critical financial crisis faced by the national carrier.

The minister also disclosed that efforts were in progress to resume PIA flights to the UK, which had been suspended following international bans. Asif blamed the situation on a controversial statement made by former Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan during the PTI government, which severely damaged PIA’s operations and reputation, leading to restrictions in the UK and US markets.

He shared that a team from the UK will conduct an audit in January, which could lead to the restoration of flights to Britain. While acknowledging the shortage of small aircraft for domestic operations, Asif noted that PIA currently owns only 15 aircraft. He added that PIA flights to EU countries have already been restored, thanks to the government’s active engagement with international aviation authorities.