PM Imran directs PIA to devise a comprehensive business plan to cut losses

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday directed the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) chairman to devise a comprehensive business plan to overcome losses.   

Chairing a high-level meeting on reforms in PIA, the prime minister said that the government wanted to make national flag carrier a profit-generating and independent airline.

PIA officials informed the prime minister that the total losses of PIA are Rs. 414.3bn. They told the meeting that PIA is facing a deficit of 500 million rupees on seven international routes in addition to loss on domestic routes.

Officials also told the meeting that 194 PIA staffers, including seven captains, 73 members of the cabin crew and other officials were sent home during an ongoing drive against employees appointed on bogus educational certificates.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Aviation Minister Muhammad Somoro, Air Chief Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Senator Faisal Javed, PIA Chairman Air Marshal Asad Mehmood Malik and others.

Earlier, on December 29, the national flag carrier on the directives of the apex court had dismissed 50 employees including four pilots and cabin crew for holding fake degrees.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by the current administration of the airline. He said that being the national flag carrier, PIA represents Pakistan across the globe.

He assured the airline of his government’s complete cooperation to turn it into a profitable organisation.