Only 25 out of 38 PIA aircraft operational
Minister of State for Defence claims national airline has become a profitable entity.
MQM senator criticises government for its failures related to PIA. PHOTO: INP
ISLAMABAD:
Out of 38 aircraft possessed by the Pakistan International Airlines, only 25 are operational, Minister of State for Defence Sardar Saleem Haider Khan told the Senate on Tuesday.
Khan made the revelation during the Senate’s question hour, while informing the lawmakers about the government’s decision to buy new aircraft for the national carrier on dry lease.
The minister also claimed that the airline has become a profitable entity.
According to details, four aircraft will be inducted in the fleet by April this year while remaining five will be inducted by the end of the year.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement Senator Tahir Mashhadi criticised the government over issues related to PIA as he called the airline a centre of corruption.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Hina Rabbani Khar also responded to questions raised during the session. She informed the senators that the government has sought clarification from Washington regarding reports which stated that the Obama administration will continue with its drone campaign in Pakistan.
Speaking about a new act for the field of medicine, Minister for National Regulations and Services Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the “Pharmacy Act” will soon be introduced in the parliament to bring the practices of the profession in line with other developing countries.
Out of 38 aircraft possessed by the Pakistan International Airlines, only 25 are operational, Minister of State for Defence Sardar Saleem Haider Khan told the Senate on Tuesday.
Khan made the revelation during the Senate’s question hour, while informing the lawmakers about the government’s decision to buy new aircraft for the national carrier on dry lease.
The minister also claimed that the airline has become a profitable entity.
According to details, four aircraft will be inducted in the fleet by April this year while remaining five will be inducted by the end of the year.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement Senator Tahir Mashhadi criticised the government over issues related to PIA as he called the airline a centre of corruption.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Hina Rabbani Khar also responded to questions raised during the session. She informed the senators that the government has sought clarification from Washington regarding reports which stated that the Obama administration will continue with its drone campaign in Pakistan.
Speaking about a new act for the field of medicine, Minister for National Regulations and Services Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the “Pharmacy Act” will soon be introduced in the parliament to bring the practices of the profession in line with other developing countries.