Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation into PIA’s controversial Paris flight advertisement, criticized for being misleading. The Senate session revealed that only 22 of PIA’s 34 aircraft are operational, while privatization plans are moving forward. Historical issues, including a "fake pilots" controversy, caused significant financial losses and international flight bans. Efforts to restore PIA’s UK operations are underway, with flights expected to resume by March or April 2025.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed an investigation into the controversial advertisement promoting Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) Paris flights. The issue was highlighted during a Senate session where Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar shared the details of the directive.
Criticism Over Paris Flight Advertisement
The advertisement in question featured a PIA plane positioned near the Eiffel Tower with the tagline "We’re coming." Senator Sherry Rehman criticized the campaign for misrepresenting the airline’s intentions, arguing that it invited public ridicule. She also questioned the agency responsible for the ad and demanded accountability for the official who approved it.
Concerns Over PIA’s Future
During the Senate session, Senator Sherry Rehman expressed concerns about PIA’s privatization. She questioned whether the privatization process had been scrapped or was still ongoing. Rehman also highlighted operational challenges within PIA, revealing that out of the airline’s 34 aircraft, only 19 are currently operational.
Past Image Issues Impacting PIA
Senator Ishaq Dar highlighted past controversies, such as former Minister Sarwar Khan’s statement about fake pilots, which led to bans on PIA flights in Europe, the UK, and the US. This statement, according to Dar, caused an annual loss of Rs87 billion and significantly damaged the reputation of Pakistani pilots.
Dar also confirmed that efforts to restore PIA flights to the UK are underway, with a team expected to visit Pakistan by the end of January. Flights are anticipated to resume by March or April.
PIA Privatization and Fleet Status
Providing updates on PIA’s current operations, Ishaq Dar revealed that 22 aircraft are operational, while 11 are undergoing repairs. He confirmed the government’s plan to privatize PIA, aiming to involve Pakistan’s corporate sector in the process.
Table: Key Facts About PIA Operations and Challenges
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fleet | 34 aircraft |
| Operational Aircraft | 22 (updated figure) |
| Grounded Aircraft | 11 under repair |
| Advertisement Controversy | Criticized for misrepresentation and public ridicule |
| Financial Impact | Rs87 billion annual loss due to bans following the "fake pilots" statement |
| Resumption of UK Flights | Expected by March or April 2025 |
