The Parliamentary Committee on
Aviation has revealed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) did not
undergo any audits between 2010 and 2020. In response, the committee has
requested a comprehensive explanation for this decade-long lapse.
During the meeting, chaired by
Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Babar, various concerns were addressed, including
allegations against PIA officials in Bahrain and Birmingham, brought up by
committee member Munaza Hassan.
Ramesh Lal criticized former
aviation minister Sarwar Khan for causing significant damage to PIA’s
reputation. Meanwhile, the Secretary of Aviation confirmed that route
restrictions are set to be lifted in the coming months, paving the way for
operational improvements.
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Audit Concerns and Operational
Challenges
Committee member Mahreen Razaq Bhutto raised questions about the responsibility
for the absence of audits over the past decade. The Secretary of Aviation
acknowledged the oversight, stating that while no audits were conducted from
2010 to 2020, two audits were completed in the last four years under the PTI
government.
Munaza Hassan inquired whether PIA
experienced any crashes during the audit gap, to which the Secretary of
Aviation confirmed four incidents. The committee demanded a detailed report to
address these issues comprehensively.
The CEO of PIA disclosed that the
airline currently operates 10 Airbus A320s and two ATRs. Of the 12 Boeing 777s
in use during the COVID-19 pandemic, only five are operational now, with plans
to restore two more for Hajj operations.
Reputation and Renaming of Islamabad
Airport
Lal reiterated that internal corruption, referring to "black sheep"
within the organization, is a major obstacle to PIA’s progress. He also called
for accountability and reforms to restore the airline’s credibility.
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The committee revisited the 2022
National Assembly resolution to rename Islamabad Airport after Benazir Bhutto.
The Secretary of Aviation clarified that such name changes require approval
through the Cabinet Division, while Bhutto suggested writing to the Prime
Minister to expedite the matter.
The meeting underscored the urgent
need for accountability and strategic improvements to address PIA’s operational
and reputational challenges.
Source: Aaj
TV