ISLAMABAD, July 18 – The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Defence has endorsed the government’s decision to privatise Pakistan International Airlines Company Ltd (PIACL), while underscoring the importance of safeguarding the airline’s legacy and protecting the rights of its workforce.
Chaired by Fateh Ullah Khan, the committee expressed that any prospective operator must retain the national identity of the airline by ensuring PIA aircraft continue to display the Pakistani flag and the iconic PIA logo — both regarded as symbols of national pride.
Committee members also emphasised the need to protect employees’ jobs and livelihoods during the transition to privatisation.
READ MORE: PIA’s Privatization Deadline Extended, Again
Welcoming the recent resumption of PIA flights to the United Kingdom and France after a five-year suspension, the committee termed the move a major step toward revitalising Pakistan’s global aviation presence. The Ministry of Defence and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) were commended for their roles in enabling the restart of these international routes.
The meeting included a review of PIA’s current operations, with the PIACL director-general providing updates on fleet upgrades, organisational reforms, and plans to expand both domestic and international services.
While recognising the progress made in restoring the airline’s credibility, the committee voiced concern over the lack of domestic operations, which members said is limiting mobility for the general public. The committee urged swift action to resume and broaden domestic flight routes to better meet national transportation needs.
