The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Privatization has raised concerns over Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) fleet and service quality, with officials revealing that 16 aircraft are currently grounded while the airline operates only 17 to 18 planes.
The committee also questioned the airline’s performance despite tax relief and expressed concern over the failure to provide a required report on PIA.
Separately, members criticized several ministries for failing to respond to parliamentary questions and submit requested information.
PIA Fleet and Flight Operations
During a briefing to the committee, officials said PIA’s aircraft previously had an average age of 21 to 22 years. The airline has received one Boeing Dreamliner, with another expected in January. The two aircraft are between seven and eight years old. Officials said efforts were underway to restore grounded planes, with repairs being carried out where suitable engines were available.
Officials also informed the committee that PIA’s London flights had resumed on a daily basis, while services to Manchester and Birmingham were expected to start. Karachi-London flights are scheduled to begin in March 2027.
The Secretary of the Privatization Commission said passengers were being served meals on London flights and had responded positively to the biryani and pulao offered onboard.
Committee Questions PIA’s Service Quality
Committee member Sahar Kamran questioned PIA’s service standards despite the tax relief available to the airline. She said private airlines were providing better services and operating flights on time, while PIA’s performance remained unsatisfactory. She also expressed concern that the committee had yet to receive the required report on the national carrier.
In response, the Secretary of the Privatization Commission clarified that PIA had received a sales tax exemption only on the purchase of new aircraft. He said the airline had not been granted any other tax exemptions following its privatization.
Ministries Criticized Over Missing Responses
The committee also expressed serious concerns over several ministries’ failure to respond to questions and provide requested information. Farooq Sattar said some ministries had submitted no answers, with the words “awaiting response” appearing against the relevant questions. Sahar Kamran said documents relating to matters under discussion had only been provided the previous evening.
Kamran further said Parliament and its committees had effectively become inactive, pointing out that the meeting lacked the required quorum and no ruling coalition member was present.
Natasha Daultana objected to holding the meeting informally, while Sattar said members were not even participating through Zoom and the committee could not proceed under those circumstances.
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