ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif outlined key developments concerning Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), highlighting both past challenges and future plans. He held a press conference here today, after the announcement that ‘Britain has lifted a five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to apply to resume UK flights’.
Khawaja Asif said that this move by the United Kingdom marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s aviation history, which has been made possible by the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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He said that the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had gotten the ban imposed on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He mentioned former Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar to be responsible for this ban. The defence minister said that Sarwar had publicly criticised PIA and had invited institutions to ban the airline. Former prime minister Imran Khan was also held responsible by Khawaja Asif for the resulting PIA losses – both financially and in terms of national prestige.
Khawaja Asif said that billions of rupees were lost during this period, adding that the most significant impact was on Pakistan’s international image. He also mentioned that PIA staff had worked to establish other airlines, but the damage caused by these policies reversed much of that progress. Asif questioned the reasoning behind these actions, stressing the long-term effects they had on Pakistanis, especially those settled overseas.
Pakistanis find rare opening for travel to the UK
“Previously, when a Pakistani died [elsewhere], PIA would bring back the bodies of overseas Pakistanis free of charge. Now, families are forced to pay thousands of dollars for the same service,” Khawaja Asif pointed out, while further criticising the actions of Ghulam Sarwar and Imran Khan, calling their impact on PIA significant.
However, he also acknowledged that efforts being made to resolve the issues with PIA. He confirmed that the airline would soon regain its operating license, with that the restoration of flights to New York was in progress. He also revealed plans for the privatisation of PIA.
“We are going to privatize PIA after completing all necessary work to increase its value,” Asif said, adding, “This process has been guided by regulators to ensure smooth approval.” He noted that PM Shehbaz Sharif had been personally involved, overseeing the progress and reviewing all reports.
Khawaja Asif assured that the future of PIA would include new aircraft, expanded routes, and better services for overseas Pakistanis. He said that this would reduce both travel time and expenses for those visiting their home country.
Khawaja Asif also expressed gratitude for the efforts of those who contributed to the progress, and he congratulated the nation on this milestone. He also paid tribute to Saad Rafique for his efforts in improving the airline over the past few years.
PM SHARIF WELCOMES LIFTING OF BAN
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the lifting of the ban on Pakistani flights by the British Air Safety Board.
“Due to irresponsible statements by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, Pakistani flights were banned in the past and the country’s reputation was damaged,” Prime Minister said, adding that the lifting of the ban is now a source of comfort for Pakistanis living in the UK.
The resumption of PIA flights between Pakistan and the UK is an important milestone for the country, he added.
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Steps are being taken rapidly to bring Pakistani airlines into competition with global companies in the field of air travel, PM Sharif said, adding that the government is taking vigorous steps to bring aviation sector up to international standards and meet the requirements of transparency, quality and international standards.