Pakistan Works to Revive PIA, Plans to Restore New York Flight and Privatize Airline
Efforts to revive Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) are currently underway, with plans to restore its New York flight and privatize the airline as part of larger measures to rebuild its lost reputation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced this milestone on Wednesday, giving credit to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and calling it a “historic achievement. ” He also stated that the national carrier will soon be presented to private investors as a fully functional and valuable asset.
The announcement came just hours after the United Kingdom removed Pakistan from its Air Safety List, a significant development that now allows Pakistani airlines to reapply for operations in the country. Asif noted that the government has followed the guidance of global aviation regulators to ensure smoother approvals in the future, and that all necessary processes are being completed to increase the airline’s market value.
Once privatized, PIA will be equipped with new aircraft and granted fresh international routes, making it easier for overseas Pakistanis to travel home. Asif also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally monitored the airline’s revival and received regular progress reports, with many individuals working hard to make this achievement possible. He also mentioned PIA’s once symbolic service of transporting deceased Pakistanis’ bodies at no cost, stating that families now have to spend thousands of dollars due to the airline’s decline.
The defence minister placed the blame for PIA’s downfall on the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, specifically former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan. Asif stated that a ban was imposed on Pakistan during their tenure, which caused financial losses worth billions of rupees and dealt a serious blow to the country’s dignity. He also criticized Khan for his remarks that invited international bodies to impose a ban on the airline, with no explanation given to date. Asif also noted that PTI leader Imran Khan is also responsible for the current outcome.
However, Asif assured that the situation is now improving, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) receiving praise for regaining confidence from the European Union. He also commended Khawaja Saad Rafique for his role in aviation reforms over the past few years, stating that today, they stand vindicated. Asif concluded by saying that PIA’s revival is a major milestone for the country, and it is a day to be remembered.