Tag: PIA

  • PIA staff forgets to send boy’s body with parents

    A PIA flight from Islamabad to Skardu left behind the body of a six-year-old boy at the airport on Friday, while his parents continued their journey, unaware of the horrific mistake.

    Six-year-old Mujtaba, a resident of Katshi village of Kharmang district, was diagnosed with a tumour at a hospital in Skardu a month ago. Doctors referred him to Rawalpindi for treatment. His father Muhammad Askari took him to Rawalpindi along with his wife for treatment at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. Mujtaba succumbed to his illness in the hospital on Thursday.

    The parents decided to transport the body of their child to their native village of Katshi for burial, through a PIA flight on Friday, as a 24-hour-long journey from Islamabad to Skardu by road with the body was not possible due to hot weather.

    The parents of the deceased boy were shocked and fainted at Skardu airport when they came to know that their son’s body had been left behind in Islamabad.

    Ibrahim Asadi, a relative of the deceased boy, told Dawn that the body was scheduled to be transported with the parents to Skardu at 9am.
    He said the flight was delayed for four hours and left Islamabad at 1pm.

    Upon arrival at Skardu airport at 2pm, the parents were informed that mistakenly the body was not loaded on the plane and left behind at Islamabad airport.
    The news sparked grief and outrage as parents were shocked and started crying while the boy’s mother and father fainted at the airport. Relatives of the boy waiting to receive the body also gathered at the airport’s lounge and started protest against the PIA management’s negligence. It continued for three hours.
    Officials of PIA, Civil Aviation Authority and other departments, who were on duty at Skardu airport, tried to calm down the boy’s parents and relatives and admitted their mistake. They assured the parents of bringing back the body on Saturday (today).

    PIA officials said the company which handles cargos at the airport is responsible for not loading the body and assured the parents that action would be taken against it for negligence.

    The boy’s parents and relatives chanted slogans against the PIA administration. They said the poor family had paid higher price to transport the body through the PIA flight, but the airline committed serious negligence. They appealed to the government to take action against those responsible.

    Alleged possibility of a VIP visit causing the delay

    Yousaf Kamal, another relative of the deceased boy, said the body had deliberately not been loaded on the plane. He said Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr Amir Muqam was scheduled to fly to Gilgit from Islamabad on Friday, adding that the PIA flight from Islamabad to Gilgit couldn’t operate due to bad weather conditions.
    He said the federal minister had changed his plan and decided to go to Skardu and kept the passengers waiting. He said the flight was scheduled to depart from Islamabad at 9am, but was delayed till 1pm to accommodate the minister, leaving the body behind at the airport.

  • Competition Commission approves Scheme of Arrangement for PIA’s privatisation

    Competition Commission approves Scheme of Arrangement for PIA’s privatisation

    The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the Scheme of Arrangement (SoA) for the privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL).

    This marks a crucial step towards restructuring the national airline and facilitating a smoother transition during the privatisation process.

    The approval paves the way for the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to give its final nod, leading to the formalisation of the transfer of PIACL’s non-core assets and liabilities to a newly established entity, PIA Holding Company Limited.

    This separation is designed to create a debt-light PIACL, allowing for greater focus on core airline operations and enhancing its appeal to investors.

    The privatisation of PIACL has attracted considerable interest from both domestic and international investors, with major airlines and business conglomerates submitting their expressions of interest.

    The Privatisation Commission (PC) has extended the deadline for submitting the Statement of Qualification (SOQ) until May 17, 2024, accommodating requests from potential bidders.

    The Privatisation Commission’s extension aims to ensure a competitive and transparent bidding process, fostering a fair environment for all parties. This development is seen as a significant step towards achieving a successful outcome in the privatisation of PIACL, with the ultimate goal of revitalising the national airline and improving its financial health.

    Stakeholders and industry experts are closely monitoring the process, with hopes that the privatisation will bring much-needed efficiency and innovation to Pakistan’s aviation sector. They

    he finalisation of the Scheme of Arrangement and the subsequent privatisation process will be critical in determining the future trajectory of Pakistan International Airlines.

  • Foreign companies seem uninterested in buying shares of PIA

    The privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started, but foreign companies do not seem interested in buying most of its shares, The Express Tribune reported on Wednesday.

    Sources claimed that only two companies from Gulf countries sent investment documents by depositing $5,000.

    However, both companies have not submitted applications for tenders yet. The last day to submit applications for tenders for PIA’s privatisation is May 3rd.

    Sources within the Privatisation Commission confirmed that they will probably extend the deadline by a month for submitting applications for PIA tenders.

    Officials responsible for privatisation, including the financial adviser for the national carrier, lack experience in attracting foreign investment.

    Pakistani authorities have not received messages about the process yet.

  • Bilawal Bhutto not in favour of privatising PIA

    Bilawal Bhutto not in favour of privatising PIA

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed his opposition to the Shehbaz Sharif-led government’s privatisation policy for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).

    The PPP chairman said at a Labour Day event in Karachi that his party will try to convince Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to revive PIA through a public-private partnership instead of privatising it.

    On the other hand, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged the Pakistani government to privatise state-owned enterprises to revive the country’s economy.

    However, the finance minister has laid emphasis many times on the importance of privatising state-owned enterprises, including PIA and PSM, for the betterment of the economy.

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also said that it will be an “unconstitutional step” if the federal government privatises PIA.

    Former senator Raza Rabbani further clarified that the government’s agenda of privatisation was “unacceptable” to the PPP.

  • PIA by June, then all major airports, privatisation will mark 2024

    PIA by June, then all major airports, privatisation will mark 2024

    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Saturday that the process of privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be completed by June this year. Islamabad airport might also be privatized shortly after.

    “The government has no business being in business,” the minister declared at a Saturday afternoon news briefing, explaining the government’s plan to divest from state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

    “We expect the bids for PIA to come in the next two to three weeks, and by the end of June or early July, we can move it to the investors,” he said. “The Islamabad airport would be the next,” he added, “followed by the airports in Karachi and Lahore.”

    The finance minister didn’t respond on a question when asked if Pakistan is selling its skies to prospective buyers.

    Mr Aurangzeb didn’t give an explanation when a journalist asked if the government will keep some shares in PIA after privatisation or sell all its shares.

    The minister wrapped up his visit to Washington DC on Sunday with 62 meetings in a week. During these meetings, he explained decisions, made pledges, and sought understanding from both multilateral and bilateral donors.

  • PIA flight carrying Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz rerouted

    PIA flight carrying Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz rerouted

    A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Jeddah to Islamabad, carrying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz back from their visit to Saudi Arabia, was diverted to Lahore on Monday.

    Flight PK842 was supposed to land in Islamabad at 10:30pm on Monday night but was diverted to Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore and landed there at 9:25pm.

    The commercial flight was carrying 393 passengers which had the official delegation returning from Pakistan, including the Defence Minister, the PM, the CM and their family members.

    Videos circulating online showed passengers expressing resentment for the problems caused to them.

    After offloading about 79 passengers at Lahore, the flight did take off for Islamabad and landed there at 11:17pm.

  • When are flight operations for Hajj 2024 starting?

    When are flight operations for Hajj 2024 starting?

    Hajj season is about to begin in the Muslim world. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is all set to facilitate thousands of pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey of pilgrimage to Holy Kaaba in Saudi Arabia.

    SAMAA News has reported that the schedule will commence on May 9th, with flight operations spanning across the second week of May, extending into the following month, catering to the influx of devout Muslims from Pakistan.

    The age limit set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been lifted while Pakistan’s Hajj quota has been reinstated.

    Hajj 2024 policy

    The results of the Hajj 2024 draw, unveiled in December 2023, selected 63,000 applicants for the pilgrimage under the state-run scheme. Introducing a technological paradigm shift, the Saudi Hajj and Umrah ministry has mandated smartphones for all pilgrims this year, aligning with the contemporary digital landscape.

    Pilgrims are required to use mobile applications throughout their Hajj journey, offering comprehensive guidance ranging from their Hajj flight to accommodation in Saudi Arabia, supplemented by instructional videos. Each pilgrim will receive a complimentary mobile SIM card courtesy of a Saudi telecommunications company, facilitating 180 minutes of international calls.

    Hajj training by the government of Pakistan

    Pilgrims are poised to undergo the second phase of Hajj training conducted by 40 proficient trainers. It will commence on April 15th across 122 locations nationwide. These trainings will familiarize pilgrims with new initiatives and pertinent Hajj-related information.

    To ensure the health and well-being of pilgrims mandatory vaccination protocols are set to commence ten days prior to the commencement of Hajj flights.

    Pilgrims will be equipped with essential amenities including a suitcase, hand carry bag, shoe bag, Ihram belt, and a distinctive green scarf adorned with the Pakistani flag.

  • Govt kickstarts privatisation process for PIA

    Govt kickstarts privatisation process for PIA

    The government, as confirmed by sources within the Prime Minister’s Office, has formally commenced the privatisation procedure for Pakistan International Airlines Corp (PIA) by issuing a gazette notification.

    This notification delineates the transition of the national airline into a government holding company.

    Notably, PIA has experienced a persistent surge surpassing its previous peak performances. Despite being a loss-making entity, the airline has encountered fluctuations in recent trading sessions.

    Its stock price has escalated by 2.37 times this month alone and an astounding 7.6 times within the current fiscal year.

    This rally can be attributed to the new government’s endeavors aimed at restructuring and privatising the airline.

  • 22 flights cancelled as passengers decrease in Ramzan

    22 flights cancelled as passengers decrease in Ramzan

    Due to operational issues of various airlines, 22 flights across the country including eight domestic flights of Quetta have been cancelled today.

    According to PIA spokesperson, as reported by Geo news, the flights had to be cancelled due to not meeting the minimum load of the required number of passengers.

    Aviation reported that today alone, PIA cancelled six flights from Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore to Quetta. PK 310, 311 from Karachi, PK 322, 323 from Lahore and PK from Islamabad to Quetta. K 325, 326 will not be operated today.

    PIA’s Karachi-Gwadar PK-503, 504 flights have also been cancelled.

    Five flights from Karachi to Islamabad, three flights between Karachi to Lahore, two flights of PIA from Islamabad to Sukkur have been cancelled.

  • PIA instructs pilots and cabin crew not to fast while flying

    PIA instructs pilots and cabin crew not to fast while flying

    A new advisory issued by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has instructed pilots and the cabin crew to not observe fast in the month of Ramzan during flights, reports The Express Tribune.

    The directive issued by the manager of the flight safety department at PIA outlined guidelines regarding fasting during the flights.

    It said that fasting can potentially decrease alertness and impair decision-making abilities, which could lead to serious consequences in the emergencies. It also said that even though it is technically feasible, this may reduce the margin of safety, as per corporate safety management and the aircrew medical center’s advice.

    The official circular emphasised that although fasting is a highly important practice in Islam, it disrupts the normal routine and can lead to dehydration, a drop in glucose level, and other physiological changes.

    The directive clearly instructed all fasting cockpit and cabin crew members to abstain from operating flights, highlighting that self-exemptions cannot be claimed even under state law. It emphasised compliance with rules and regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.