ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Caretaker Privatization Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad said on Saturday that all the necessary legal procedures for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been finalized.
In an interview with a private news channel, he outlined the various stages of the privatization process, emphasizing the meticulous efforts of the Privatization Commission.
Fawad highlighted the inclusion of representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as well as the ministries of education, law, and finance, to ensure transparency in the PIA’s privatization.
The caretaker government, following constitutional amendments enacted by the previous elected government, is executing the privatization decision made to prevent further economic deterioration.
The minister dispelled rumors regarding negotiations for the purchase of PIA by a foreign government, labeling such allegations as baseless and driven by certain elements with vested interests.
Protection of PIA Employees’ Rights Amidst Privatization
Addressing concerns about the rights of PIA employees, Fawad assured that the caretaker federal cabinet would ensure that no employee is unjustly deprived of their legitimate rights.
He attributed the challenges faced by the national airline to governance issues, financial mismanagement, and the appointment of individuals ill-equipped to manage the aviation industry.
Highlighting the urgency for reforms, Fawad stressed the need to prevent further deterioration of public institutions, including PIA. In response to a query, he affirmed that the general elections would proceed as scheduled on February 8, with the caretaker government fully supporting the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in conducting the polls.
