PIA employees stage protest against privatisation

Employees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Monday staged a protest demonstration and a symbolic sit-in at Bilawal House Chowrangi against the proposed privatisation of the national carrier.

A large number of workers affiliated with the People's Unity union gathered at the site, carrying banners and placards opposing the sale of PIA. The protesters chanted slogans demanding an immediate halt to the privatisation process and safeguards for employees' jobs and pensions. Speaking to the media, People's Unity President Hidayatullah Khan said the union had already made its position clear during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club that PIA should not be privatised. He said the employees had come to Bilawal House to convey their concerns directly to Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stating that PIA workers considered themselves his supporters.

He maintained that the privatisation could be stopped if the PPP leadership intervened and demanded written assurances for the protection of employees' pensions and jobs. He warned that the protest would continue and that other PIA employee organisations had also been invited to join the agitation.

Khan claimed that cracks had emerged within the bidding consortium, with one group already withdrawing from the privatisation process while the remaining bidders were reportedly divided.