PM meets PIA union officials, expresses desire to revive national carrier

PM says PIA has potential for revival; govt being major stakeholder will remain committed to this objective

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met Pakistan International Airline (PIA) Air League union officials at the PM House here this morning, where he expressed desire to revive the national carrier.

The premier congratulated the Air League for taking the office of Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) and expressed hope that the League would work towards bring improvement in the national airline.

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He told the meetings’ attendees that PIA has a glorious past and the people of Pakistan expect its employees to work hard to bring it back to the same level. A monolithic workforce is required in PIA to lead the national flag carrier towards progress and development, he said.

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Prime Minister Nawaz said PIA has lot of potential for revival, which needs to be harnessed with consistent efforts. The government, being the major stakeholder, will always remain committed to achieve this objective, he said.

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According to the PM, every employee of PIA should join hands with the government in its efforts to revive and revamp the national carrier in order to make it a more responsive and profit-earning entity.

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PM Nawaz said that $15 million had been provided to PIA for inducting 15 aircraft in its fleet on dry lease, as equity, in order to revive the corporation. Besides, Rs16 billion have been given to PIA from the national exchequer as a bailout package. He said he would visit PIA headquarters in Karachi and seek a detailed presentation on improving its image and service, while reducing its losses.

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The premier was informed that Air League is currently the representative body of more than 8,000 employees. The union officials apprised the prime minister of various matters relating to PIA and gave suggestions for its revival.