PIA to achieve break-even in 2025 [Post#362]

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday declared that licenses of 16 pilots and 65 cabin crew members were suspended for holding fake degrees and wrapped up the case.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard a case pertaining to verification of degrees of pilots and cabin crew members. The chief justice had taken notice of alleged appointment of pilots holding fake qualifications in January last year.

As the hearing went under way, the counsel for Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) informed the court, “Except for six degrees all others have been verified. The six degrees that have not been verified belong to those who are abroad.”

“Degrees of 16 pilots and 65 cabin crew members were fake and their licenses have been suspended,” the CAA counsel added. At this, the chief justice remarked, “The impression is that action is being taken in haste over the court order.”

“We do not want to halt anyone’s source of income. The certificates on the basis of which the licenses of pilots and cabin crew members were suspended should be accurate,” the top judge added.

The counsel for CAA said, “Pilots have the right to appeal after their licenses are suspended.”

At this, a pilot present in the courtroom whose license was also suspended said, “My degree is not fake but my license was still suspended.” The chief justice then remarked, “If anyone has any issues then they should approach the relevant forum.”

Declaring that degrees of 16 pilots and 65 cabin crew members belonging to all local airlines turned out to be fake and their licenses were suspended, the court wrapped up the case.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/224535-16...s-licenses-suspended-for-holding-fake-degrees

 

[MenInG]

Scary stuff this! But then as long as they can fly a plane that should be ok?!

 

[ExpressPacer]

[utube]nCTuPgDE-Yo[/utube]

[MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=26195]DW44[/MENTION]

Guys watch this press conference. The state PIA was being run in was abysmal. However, it looks like the new administration are determined to bring back PIA's glorious past.

Massive changes to cut costs and improve the airline have been made which are all brought to our knowledge through this press conference. I know some of us have our differences with this political government, but I'm sure each and every one of us can appreciate the airline being restored to, at the very least, a decent and comfortable entity.

The steps taken by the PIA CEO are commendable! He seems like an educated, humble and motivated guy without any personal, nefarious vendettas of his own.

Cheers!

 

[ExpressPacer]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] Also, to add to my previous point, you have expressed your grief over how citizens of Peshawar have been marginalized in the past and written extensively over the horrendous state of the Bacha Khan airport. The CEO has brought to our knowledge of introducing new flight routes from Peshawar, meaning you don't have to come all the way to Islamabad to take major international flights anymore. And night landings have also been recommenced.

Good news!

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] Also, to add to my previous point, you have expressed your grief over how citizens of Peshawar have been marginalized in the past and written extensively over the horrendous state of the Bacha Khan airport. The CEO has brought to our knowledge of introducing new flight routes from Peshawar, meaning you don't have to come all the way to Islamabad to take major international flights anymore. And night landings have also been recommenced.

Good news!

That will indeed be a welcome step, but we will see if these plans ever come to fruition. I have no faith in this government because most of the time they are just talk.

 

[Bewal Express]

That will indeed be a welcome step, but we will see if these plans ever come to fruition. I have no faith in this government because most of the time they are just talk.

Unlike the previous,competent govts who acted by hiring people in return for bribes, meaning that the PIA has 18000 employees, or 600 for every craft. But that's ok because corruption is not a big problem in PK. Noora logic!!!!!!

 

[ExpressPacer]

That will indeed be a welcome step, but we will see if these plans ever come to fruition. I have no faith in this government because most of the time they are just talk.

Watch the press conference. I would usually agree with you over waiting to see if it ever comes to fruition however, the steps they've taken and the changes they've made already in the 2 months of acquiring PIA office, I would certainly be optimistic.

 

[Abdullah719]

PIA gets Boeing 777 operational after 1.5 years of grounding

KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been able to add another Boeing 777 aircraft in its fleet after being grounded by almost 18 months.

A Boeing 777 bearing registration number BHV which was completely neglected and considered abandoned for more than year and half was fully repaired and overhauled by the Engineering &Maintenance team which worked day and night for its restoration, said a statement issued here on Friday.

The test flight was conducted successfully.

CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik, upon his joining in November, had instructed the Engineering team to make the aircraft operational at the earliest to make it revenue generator.

With BHV timely back in fleet, the total operational Boeing 777 were now 12 and would be of great help in the forthcoming Hajj season.

CEO PIA Arshad Malik congratulating the Engineering team said that this shows the commitment and dedication that is required to bring PIA back on its revival track.

He appreciated the untiring efforts of Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Flight Operations and all other concerned departments in achieving this feat which was considered by some as near to impossible.

The aircraft was grounded for lack of spares and financial constraints has now been made operational and is in operation.

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/05/3...777-operational-after-1-5-years-of-grounding/

 

[Abdullah719]

PIA suffers Rs1.8tr loss in past 11 years

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suffered a loss of Rs1.8 trillion over the past 11 years, mainly covering tenures of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) governments, which had been in power from 2008-2018.

During that period, the PIA management faced political interference, ‘unjust’ re-routing of flights, manipulation of activities by trade unions and use of flights by heads of state and government.

In a meeting last month, PIA chief executive officer (CEO) told the cabinet that the national air carrier had faced massive political interference during the 2008-18 period, without any consideration of merit. He said unjustified re-routing of flights and manipulation of operational activities by trade unions put the national flag carrier on a downward spiral.

He revealed that PIA had suffered a loss of Rs1,872 billion in the past 11 years, adding that the airline operated 50 flights for heads of state and government from 2012-2017, which caused a loss of billions of rupees.

Separation scheme

The government wants to introduce the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for the employees of PIA, which has surplus staff – one of the reasons for losses in the national flag carrier.

The Aviation Division submitted a strategic business plan for PIA to Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 4, 2019. The premier approved, in principle, the liquidity requirement for mark-up payments as well as the VSS and directed the Finance Division to take further necessary action.

In a meeting on December 30, 2017 headed by then prime minister in the PML-N government, it was decided that the mark-up on PIA’s debt would be picked by the federal government for five years and its payment would be made directly to the lenders.

In line with the decision, an amount of Rs18 billion was allocated in financial year 2018-19, which was given directly to the lenders by the Finance Division.

Now, PIA has requested the government for further cash support as the cost has gone up from Rs18 billion to Rs19.6 billion because of volatility in the State Bank’s policy rate and a massive change in the rupee-dollar parity. The difference of Rs1.6 billion will be utilised to pay mark-up for financial year 2018-19.

A budget estimate of Rs24.5-billion support in financial year 2019-20 had earlier been shared with the Ministry of Finance on the basis of 10.69% Kibor and rupee’s value of 140 against the dollar. However, the demand for the year has now been revised upwards to Rs30.07 billion in the wake of drastic changes in monetary policy and rupee-dollar parity. Government support amounting to Rs9.77 billion was required to meet the VSS expenditure. After the VSS process is started, it will result in savings of Rs5.057 billion per annum.

During discussion in a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) last month, it was pointed out that Hajj flights for 2019 had started and VSS implementation would jeopardise Hajj operations at this point in time. Therefore, the decision was put off with the directive to submit the proposal again after Hajj operations.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2026266/2-pia-suffers-rs1-8tr-loss-past-11-years/

 

[Abdullah719]

Nearly 1,000 ‘surplus’ PIA employees laid off

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management has laid off nearly 1,000 surplus employees and has taken other measures to reduce operational cost of the airline.

This was informed by PIA president and Chief Executive Air Marshal Arshad Malik during a meeting with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh on Friday.

The PIA chief executive, according to a press release issued by the finance ministry, briefed Dr Sheikh on various activities and initiatives undertaken by the PIA to reduce its operational cost and increase revenues through better management and effective utilisation of available financial and human resources.

Dr Sheikh asked the PIA to pursue independent, sustainable business plan and said the government wanted the national flag carrier to effectively utilise its assets, improve revenue streams and ensure efficiency and financial discipline.

The adviser stressed the importance of a viable and independent corporate plan to help the PIA overcome its difficulties and achieve sustainability in its business processes and flight operations. He said the government was fully behind the PIA management and expected it to work diligently to turn the national flag carrier into an economically stable, viable and dependable airline for local and international travellers.

Arshad Malik thanked Dr Sheikh for his guidance and support and said the PIA management had been able to lay off nearly 1,000 “redundant staff” to save costs.

He termed the ongoing Haj operation a success with almost 90 per cent efficiency achieved in the pre-Haj flight operation and they expected similar results in the post-Haj operation for which all-out efforts were made to bring back the pilgrims as per schedule.

The PM’s adviser directed his team in the finance ministry to work closely with the PIA management and extend them all possible financial help, keeping in view the availability of fiscal space.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan had chaired a meeting of the Aviation Division in Islamabad to discuss PIA’s business plan, requirements and other issues. It was attended by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Dr Hafeez Sheikh, Aviation Secretary Shahrukh Nusrat and Arshad Malik.

The prime minister directed the PIA chief executive to improve the performance of the airline and increase travel facilities. Mr Khan directed the finance ministry to cooperate with the PIA in the purchase of new aircraft.

Two narrow-bodied aircraft are expected to be included in the PIA fleet by the end of this year.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1502704/nearly-1000-surplus-pia-employees-laid-off

 

[Abdullah719]

PIA CEO claims 41% jump in revenue in six months

Spoiler

The revenue of the national flag carrier has increased 41% during the last six months, said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arshad Mahmood Malik.

Addressing a gathering of industrialists, at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) on Monday, he said that due to the government’s corrective measures financial performance of the airline has improved. “Two new aircrafts would be added to the fleet by next month and three more aircrafts would be added by next year.”

PIA has opened its flight to Toronto and the number of flights for Dubai will be increased soon, he added. The CEO shared that they are undertaking several measures, which would improve cargo and other services, and cooperation from the business community would be needed in this regard.

The airline has also signed a memorandum of understanding according to which it will establish special counters for the business community and offer discounts on passenger services fees of 5% for domestic and 7% for international flights. The official added that 12 Boeing 777 aircraft were operational in the fleet and nearly 80% improvement in cargo handling has also helped the airline reduce losses.

Speaking on the occasion KATI Patron-in-Chief SM Muneer said that despite improvement in PIA’s performance a lot was still required.

He suggested that in order to improve cargo handling an effective marketing strategy should be undertaken.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2063426/2-pia-ceo-claims-41-jump-revenue-six-months/

 

[Bewal Express]

PIA suffers Rs1.8tr loss in past 11 years

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suffered a loss of Rs1.8 trillion over the past 11 years, mainly covering tenures of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) governments, which had been in power from 2008-2018.

During that period, the PIA management faced political interference, ‘unjust’ re-routing of flights, manipulation of activities by trade unions and use of flights by heads of state and government.

In a meeting last month, PIA chief executive officer (CEO) told the cabinet that the national air carrier had faced massive political interference during the 2008-18 period, without any consideration of merit. He said unjustified re-routing of flights and manipulation of operational activities by trade unions put the national flag carrier on a downward spiral.

He revealed that PIA had suffered a loss of Rs1,872 billion in the past 11 years, adding that the airline operated 50 flights for heads of state and government from 2012-2017, which caused a loss of billions of rupees.

Separation scheme

The government wants to introduce the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for the employees of PIA, which has surplus staff – one of the reasons for losses in the national flag carrier.

The Aviation Division submitted a strategic business plan for PIA to Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 4, 2019. The premier approved, in principle, the liquidity requirement for mark-up payments as well as the VSS and directed the Finance Division to take further necessary action.

In a meeting on December 30, 2017 headed by then prime minister in the PML-N government, it was decided that the mark-up on PIA’s debt would be picked by the federal government for five years and its payment would be made directly to the lenders.

In line with the decision, an amount of Rs18 billion was allocated in financial year 2018-19, which was given directly to the lenders by the Finance Division.

Now, PIA has requested the government for further cash support as the cost has gone up from Rs18 billion to Rs19.6 billion because of volatility in the State Bank’s policy rate and a massive change in the rupee-dollar parity. The difference of Rs1.6 billion will be utilised to pay mark-up for financial year 2018-19.

A budget estimate of Rs24.5-billion support in financial year 2019-20 had earlier been shared with the Ministry of Finance on the basis of 10.69% Kibor and rupee’s value of 140 against the dollar. However, the demand for the year has now been revised upwards to Rs30.07 billion in the wake of drastic changes in monetary policy and rupee-dollar parity. Government support amounting to Rs9.77 billion was required to meet the VSS expenditure. After the VSS process is started, it will result in savings of Rs5.057 billion per annum.

During discussion in a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) last month, it was pointed out that Hajj flights for 2019 had started and VSS implementation would jeopardise Hajj operations at this point in time. Therefore, the decision was put off with the directive to submit the proposal again after Hajj operations.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2026266/2-pia-suffers-rs1-8tr-loss-past-11-years/

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]
Who are the clowns who ran PIA into the ground? And which clown thinks they are competent?

 

[Bewal Express]

PIA CEO claims 41% jump in revenue in six months

Spoiler

The revenue of the national flag carrier has increased 41% during the last six months, said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arshad Mahmood Malik.

Addressing a gathering of industrialists, at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) on Monday, he said that due to the government’s corrective measures financial performance of the airline has improved. “Two new aircrafts would be added to the fleet by next month and three more aircrafts would be added by next year.”

PIA has opened its flight to Toronto and the number of flights for Dubai will be increased soon, he added. The CEO shared that they are undertaking several measures, which would improve cargo and other services, and cooperation from the business community would be needed in this regard.

The airline has also signed a memorandum of understanding according to which it will establish special counters for the business community and offer discounts on passenger services fees of 5% for domestic and 7% for international flights. The official added that 12 Boeing 777 aircraft were operational in the fleet and nearly 80% improvement in cargo handling has also helped the airline reduce losses.

Speaking on the occasion KATI Patron-in-Chief SM Muneer said that despite improvement in PIA’s performance a lot was still required.

He suggested that in order to improve cargo handling an effective marketing strategy should be undertaken.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2063426/2-pia-ceo-claims-41-jump-revenue-six-months/

Need to see the details of the increase because currency depreciation may have had an impact but nonetheless it looks more positive. It needs to be sorted and privatised just like PSM.

 

[MenInG]

SIALKOT: A Pakistan-origin British national died of a heart attack on Wednesday during a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight bound for Sialkot.

According to officials at the Sialkot International Airport, Khalid Pervez was traveling from London to Sialkot by PIA flight PK-778 when he suffered a massive heart attack.

Pervez, who was a native of Jehlum, died on the spot, they said.

Airport officials handed over the body to the legal heirs after necessary formalities.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/255154-passenger-dies-on-sialkot-bound-pia-flight-from-london

 

[Lonewarrior]

[MEDIA=youtube]BOGZwvY2nNQ[/MEDIA]

 

[Technics 1210]

My family owes everything to this airline. Love PIA all the way!

 

[MenInG]

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has restrained Air Marshal Arshad Malik from carrying out any function as the chief executive officer of Pakistan International Airlines till Jan 22 on a petition challenging his appointment.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice Mohammad Shafi Siddiqui also issued notices to respondents as well as the deputy attorney general for Jan 22.

The bench in its order said that the contentions raised by the petitioner’s lawyer merited consideration, particularly the apparent titanic gulf between the CEO’s education, qualification and experience and the job requirement.

In the meanwhile, the bench said that the PIA chief, chief human resource officer and the airline’s board of directors, through its chairman/CEO, were restrained from carrying out any function as well as encumbering or disposing of assets of the national flag carrier valued over Rs10 million.

Petitioner Safdar Anjum, who is the general secretary of one of the associations of PIA senior staff/employee, submitted that he was filing the petition in the public interest and for enforcement of fundamental rights of all the members of the association and general public since the PIA was a national asset.

Impleading the PIA CEO, the federation through principal secretary to the prime minister, secretaries of the cabinet and aviation divisions, PIA and others as respondents, the petitioner stated that the Air Marshal Malik was a senior serving officer of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and his appointment as the PIA chief was made in utter disregard of law laid down by the apex court in its Aug 3, 2018 judgement against the appointment of the then CEO.

He maintained that the appointment was also made in violation of the Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules of 2013 and Public Sector Companies (Appointment of Chief Executive) Guidelines of 2015 as both the laws were applicable to the PIA.

The lawyer for the petitioner argued before the bench that as evident from his job application, the main respondent was holding a basic BSc degree and seemed to have acquired qualifications in war studies.

He said clearly he lacked any qualifications, experience in commercial airline industry or operating a commercial fleet under the civil aviation rules and international treaties.

The counsel further argued that the PIA was originally established under the Pakistan Airlines Corporation Act, 1956 and later converted into a public limited company through the PIA (Conversation) Act, 1984 and its chairman as per Section 8 was to be appointed by the federal government and the chairman also acted as CEO.

He maintained that the appointments of such officials were to be made through the Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules of 2013 and as per relevant law the appointing authority was required to consider the matters based on competence, capability visibly demonstrated by the candidate, ability to understand technical requirement of business, appropriate qualification, training and others.

He stated that the main respondent’s qualification and experience did not match the job requirements.

Referring to a previous judgement of the apex court, the petitioner’s lawyer submitted that under similar circumstances, the Supreme Court had removed the then CEO of PIA while holding that “until and unless strict compliance with the provisions of the statute and rules governing appointment to these senior positions were adhered to in letter and spirit, such appointment will always be subject to challenge on the ground of arbitrariness and non-compliance with the law and settled principles”.

The petitioner’s counsel asked the court to declare the appointment illegal and unconstitutional.

He also sought a restraining order against the incumbent CEO on the ground that he was making huge financial decisions and might encumber valuable assets of the PIA that may result in selling of these assets at throwaway prices.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1525475/pia-chief-stopped-from-working-on-petition-challenging-appointment

 

[Hermoine Green]

PIA chief stopped from working on petition challenging appointment

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has restrained Air Marshal Arshad Malik from carrying out any function as the chief executive officer of Pakistan International Airlines till Jan 22 on a petition challenging his appointment.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice Mohammad Shafi Siddiqui also issued notices to respondents as well as the deputy attorney general for Jan 22.

The bench in its order said that the contentions raised by the petitioner’s lawyer merited consideration, particularly the apparent titanic gulf between the CEO’s education, qualification and experience and the job requirement.

In the meanwhile, the bench said that the PIA chief, chief human resource officer and the airline’s board of directors, through its chairman/CEO, were restrained from carrying out any function as well as encumbering or disposing of assets of the national flag carrier valued over Rs10 million.

SHC issues notices to Air Marsal Arshad Malik and federal govt for Jan 22

Petitioner Safdar Anjum, who is the general secretary of one of the associations of PIA senior staff/employee, submitted that he was filing the petition in the public interest and for enforcement of fundamental rights of all the members of the association and general public since the PIA was a national asset.

Impleading the PIA CEO, the federation through principal secretary to the prime minister, secretaries of the cabinet and aviation divisions, PIA and others as respondents, the petitioner stated that the Air Marshal Malik was a senior serving officer of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and his appointment as the PIA chief was made in utter disregard of law laid down by the apex court in its Aug 3, 2018 judgement against the appointment of the then CEO.

He maintained that the appointment was also made in violation of the Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules of 2013 and Public Sector Companies (Appointment of Chief Executive) Guidelines of 2015 as both the laws were applicable to the PIA.

The lawyer for the petitioner argued before the bench that as evident from his job application, the main respondent was holding a basic BSc degree and seemed to have acquired qualifications in war studies.

He said clearly he lacked any qualifications, experience in commercial airline industry or operating a commercial fleet under the civil aviation rules and international treaties.

The counsel further argued that the PIA was originally established under the Pakistan Airlines Corporation Act, 1956 and later converted into a public limited company through the PIA (Conversation) Act, 1984 and its chairman as per Section 8 was to be appointed by the federal government and the chairman also acted as CEO.

He maintained that the appointments of such officials were to be made through the Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules of 2013 and as per relevant law the appointing authority was required to consider the matters based on competence, capability visibly demonstrated by the candidate, ability to understand technical requirement of business, appropriate qualification, training and others.

He stated that the main respondent’s qualification and experience did not match the job requirements.

Referring to a previous judgement of the apex court, the petitioner’s lawyer submitted that under similar circumstances, the Supreme Court had removed the then CEO of PIA while holding that “until and unless strict compliance with the provisions of the statute and rules governing appointment to these senior positions were adhered to in letter and spirit, such appointment will always be subject to challenge on the ground of arbitrariness and non-compliance with the law and settled principles”.

The petitioner’s counsel asked the court to declare the appointment illegal and unconstitutional.

He also sought a restraining order against the incumbent CEO on the ground that he was making huge financial decisions and might encumber valuable assets of the PIA that may result in selling of these assets at throwaway prices.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1525475

 

[Hermoine Green]

Disturbing, because after a decade PIA was turning into a profitable organization and now this happened.

 

[Vegitto1]

Must be due to harsh measures taken to get rid of free-loaders who were appointed during previous governments to reward them for their loyalty.

 

[Mamoon]

The monopoly and “badmashi” of the armed forces must be challenged if the country is to steer in the right direction.

PAF has nothing to do with PIA.

Judiciary is the only hope to curb the power of the armed forces since the government is spineless. It is good to see that they have finally woken up and are slowly refusing to take dictations.

 

[faraz39]

https://youtu.be/p_JePVFYY0E

Video by PIA CEO at the one year mark of his appointment. Really informative and he comes across as very sincere and honest in his efforts. Definitely worth watching.

 

[Lonewarrior]

The monopoly and “badmashi” of the armed forces must be challenged if the country is to steer in the right direction.

PAF has nothing to do with PIA.

Judiciary is the only hope to curb the power of the armed forces since the government is spineless. It is good to see that they have finally woken up and are slowly refusing to take dictations.

can you explain me why a single person deserved to be in PIA without any aviation or hospitality management knowledge ?
i have seen some sindhi speaking officers at higher posts in PIA without having a 10th grade degree, they dont even know how to write english or even urdu, but they do have strong backing of MPA/MNAs of PPP in Sindh .....

 

[kk1992]

The monopoly and “badmashi” of the armed forces must be challenged if the country is to steer in the right direction.

PAF has nothing to do with PIA.

Judiciary is the only hope to curb the power of the armed forces since the government is spineless. It is good to see that they have finally woken up and are slowly refusing to take dictations.

Fake rona dhona because you got an opportunity to bad mouth Army and the Government of Pakistan.

Gives an illusion that you are being genuine about solving Pakistani issue.

Appointed guy is more qualified than anyone currently in Pakistan.

 

[Mamoon]

Fake rona dhona because you got an opportunity to bad mouth Army and the Government of Pakistan.

Gives an illusion that you are being genuine about solving Pakistani issue.

Appointed guy is more qualified than anyone currently in Pakistan.

Lack of qualified people in the country is not an excuse for giving the job to an ex-Air Force Chief. He is equally unqualified to run a commercial airline.

If he could recruit a Google executive for the Digital Pakistan nonsense that will yield no results, he could have also recruited an executive for serious stuff such as PIA. I am sure there are a few patriotic Pakistanis working at Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, BA, Virgin etc. etc. who would be willing to do a favor on their homeland and serve Naya Pakistan.

 

[Mamoon]

can you explain me why a single person deserved to be in PIA without any aviation or hospitality management knowledge ?
i have seen some sindhi speaking officers at higher posts in PIA without having a 10th grade degree, they dont even know how to write english or even urdu, but they do have strong backing of MPA/MNAs of PPP in Sindh .....

Two wrongs don’t make a right. PIA needs to be revamped and qualified people should be hired, but that does not mean that it should be under the supervision of a PAF Chief. There is a world of difference between a commercial airline and an Air Force. Unfortunately, Imran didn’t have a say in this appointment. Arshad Malik was “gifted” this position for some “service”.

 

[kk1992]

Lack of qualified people in the country is not an excuse for giving the job to an ex-Air Force Chief. He is equally unqualified to run a commercial airline.

If he could recruit a Google executive for the Digital Pakistan nonsense that will yield no results, he could have also recruited an executive for serious stuff such as PIA. I am sure there are a few patriotic Pakistanis working at Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, BA, Virgin etc. etc. who would be willing to do a favor on their homeland and serve Naya Pakistan.

Why?

What makes him less of a qualified?

Point any decision that him and his team has taken that has not helped PIA revival in the past year.

Until than you are here to criticize for the sake of criticism and nothing more and no intention to highlight the improvement in PIA over the last year.

 

[kk1992]

Two wrongs don’t make a right. PIA needs to be revamped and qualified people should be hired, but that does not mean that it should be under the supervision of a PAF Chief. There is a world of difference between a commercial airline and an Air Force. Unfortunately, Imran didn’t have a say in this appointment. Arshad Malik was “gifted” this position for some “service”.

But it also does not mean that it shouldn't be under the supervision of a PAF, does it?

and why was he gifted, what was the service he provided? lol

 

[kk1992]

When you become slave to your narrative then you start to show your inadequacy in your criticism and inability to see the reality.

 

[Mamoon]

Why?

What makes him less of a qualified?

Point any decision that him and his team has taken that has not helped PIA revival in the past year.

Until than you are here to criticize for the sake of criticism and nothing more and no intention to highlight the improvement in PIA over the last year.

I am not interested in the so-called great performance of PIA in the last year or so. This government is renowned for its propaganda and fudged numbers so we don’t really know the ground realities.

Besides, even if I assume with a heavy heart on your insistence that he has done well, the point is that it sets a wrong precedence. An Air Force Chief is not qualified to run a commercial airliner. There is a world of difference between an Air Force and a commercial airliner. The only commonality is that they both involve objects that fly in the air.

If Pakistan cannot do better than hire an Air Force Chief to run its commercial airliner, then we are in deeper trouble than I thought. Not that I am disappointed though.

 

[Mamoon]

But it also does not mean that it shouldn't be under the supervision of a PAF, does it?

and why was he gifted, what was the service he provided? lol

It does mean that. How many airlines in the world are run by the Air Forces of their respective countries? What is so special about the Pakistan Armed Forces that the civilians cannot handle things without their help and supervision?

Armed Forces personnel regularly get such jobs because of certain favors that are classified information. That is why you see them infest every department from WAPDA, PTCL, PCB, PIA, PTV etc. etc. even though they are not qualified for the roles.

 

[King-Misbah]

The monopoly and “badmashi” of the armed forces must be challenged if the country is to steer in the right direction.

PAF has nothing to do with PIA.

Judiciary is the only hope to curb the power of the armed forces since the government is spineless. It is good to see that they have finally woken up and are slowly refusing to take dictations.

Not judiciary but only LHC, they have made some great decisions recently.

On a more serious note, why do you bother wasting your time when you are anti-Pakistani?!?! Just leave this forum and move out of Pakistan. Pakistan deserves better

 

[kk1992]

The guy get upset when a google employe is hired and the same guy get upset when someone from military background is hired.

Exist to criticize for the sake of criticism.

Reasoning is, sets wrong precedence but let me support corrupt leaders because they built a bridge, lol

 

[offstump]

Every thread on pakpassion is littered with Mamoon’s negativity. Dude, lighten up and look at the positive side of things. Running a commercial airline or any major corporation is about leadership. The CEO must be able to set a compelling vision and paint a picture as to where the organization needs to go in the next 10-20 years, capturing the imagination of all employees. He needs to surround himself with other competent executives, some who must have experience with the relevant industry. Of course you need technical aviation experts but the CEO doesn’t need to come from the industry. Do you even have any work experience?

 

[DeadBall]

It does mean that. How many airlines in the world are run by the Air Forces of their respective countries? What is so special about the Pakistan Armed Forces that the civilians cannot handle things without their help and supervision?

Armed Forces personnel regularly get such jobs because of certain favors that are classified information. That is why you see them infest every department from WAPDA, PTCL, PCB, PIA, PTV etc. etc. even though they are not qualified for the roles.

Do you think Trump or most of the world leaders have insight and know how in business, defence education etc?

The job of a leader is to lead and guide to the best of their abilities and in the interest of the people involved. That's why they have people around then who can advice them in these matters.

You think the Shiekh discharge of Emirates had anything to do with aviation? Think again.

The rot in our system is the result of decades of corruption and incompetence and it will take time to root it out. Instead of criticising at every juncture you go one up and support the likes of Maryam and Bilawal for no good reason but out of spite.

I remember the switch you made in 2015 because PTI didnt live up to high expectations and you had a breakdown but throwing your toys out of the pram and criticising them just for the sake of it isn't the answer. This is something a 5 year old would do.

You call PTI members a cult but they are the only people who call out Imran on his bad decisions. I have yet to see PMLN/PPP etc members do something resembling even a fraction of it.

If there is someone who is blindly following a narrative due to some reason it's not the PTI supporters but you, no matter how absurd the claims.

You raise some good points sometimes but your anti Pakistan schtick makes them all futile.

 

[DeadBall]

Do you think Trump or most of the world leaders have insight and know how in business, defence education etc?

The job of a leader is to lead and guide to the best of their abilities and in the interest of the people involved. That's why they have people around then who can advice them in these matters.

You think the Shiekh discharge of Emirates had anything to do with aviation? Think again.

The rot in our system is the result of decades of corruption and incompetence and it will take time to root it out. Instead of criticising at every juncture you go one up and support the likes of Maryam and Bilawal for no good reason but out of spite.

I remember the switch you made in 2015 because PTI didnt live up to high expectations and you had a breakdown but throwing your toys out of the pram and criticising them just for the sake of it isn't the answer. This is something a 5 year old would do.

You call PTI members a cult but they are the only people who call out Imran on his bad decisions. I have yet to see PMLN/PPP etc members do something resembling even a fraction of it.

If there is someone who is blindly following a narrative due to some reason it's not the PTI supporters but you, no matter how absurd the claims.

You raise some good points sometimes but your anti Pakistan schtick makes them all futile.

In charge*. You think he being the president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO and chairman of the Emirates Group have anything to do with aviation? No. It was his leadership and vision that ushered in the new Emirates era.

 

[Mamoon]

Every thread on pakpassion is littered with Mamoon’s negativity. Dude, lighten up and look at the positive side of things. Running a commercial airline or any major corporation is about leadership. The CEO must be able to set a compelling vision and paint a picture as to where the organization needs to go in the next 10-20 years, capturing the imagination of all employees. He needs to surround himself with other competent executives, some who must have experience with the relevant industry. Of course you need technical aviation experts but the CEO doesn’t need to come from the industry. Do you even have any work experience?

You are not getting my point.

Again, is an Air Marshal the only capable person in the country - and the only person of Pakistani origin - who has the capacity to run PIA?

Pakistan’s problem is that it believes that the quick and easy solution to build competencies is to hand things over to the armed forces. However, that is exactly how you weaken institutions and departments. Armed Forces should have no influence in civilian matters.

Pakistan is the only country where you will see a Lt. General run the cricket board and an Air Marshal run the airline and several brigadiers, colonels, majors etc. employed in electricity, telecom, television networks etc.

In other countries, armed forces follow their constitutional duty of protecting the country. In Pakistan, the armed forces is mainly concerned with protecting its $100 billion business empire and protecting the country is one of the many services that it we provides.

MashAllah it is the only ”all in one” armed forces in the world whose expertise range from defense, politics, economy, commercial aviation, cricket, real estate, electricity, telecom, food manufacturing, fertilizers, media and even filmmaking.

The decision of appointing Air Marshal Arshad Malik as PIA CEO was not taken by the puppet PM. He was ‘informed’ of this decision and I am glad that judiciary is questioning this appointment.

 

[Mamoon]

Do you think Trump or most of the world leaders have insight and know how in business, defence education etc?

The job of a leader is to lead and guide to the best of their abilities and in the interest of the people involved. That's why they have people around then who can advice them in these matters.

You think the Shiekh discharge of Emirates had anything to do with aviation? Think again.

The rot in our system is the result of decades of corruption and incompetence and it will take time to root it out. Instead of criticising at every juncture you go one up and support the likes of Maryam and Bilawal for no good reason but out of spite.

I remember the switch you made in 2015 because PTI didnt live up to high expectations and you had a breakdown but throwing your toys out of the pram and criticising them just for the sake of it isn't the answer. This is something a 5 year old would do.

You call PTI members a cult but they are the only people who call out Imran on his bad decisions. I have yet to see PMLN/PPP etc members do something resembling even a fraction of it.

If there is someone who is blindly following a narrative due to some reason it's not the PTI supporters but you, no matter how absurd the claims.

You raise some good points sometimes but your anti Pakistan schtick makes them all futile.

This fixation with corruption is the result of the virus spread by Imran Khan’s tabdeeli scam. The rot in the system is not because of corruption but because of the fact that we have not been able to build competencies.

India’s example is in front of us. They are far ahead of in terms of economic and industrial development even though corruption is rampant there.

The difference between us and them is that they have been able to build competencies. How do you build competency? Two things:

(1) you need to employ qualified people

(2) you need to keep the armed forces away from civilian departments

Imran’s problem and thus the problem of his supporters is that they do not have the capacity to think beyond three words: chor, daku and loot-mar. They think getting rid of corruption will fix everything, but what they fail to realize that honesty is good for nothing when you are not qualified.

That is why he has appointed a fake degree holder like Murad Saeed as the Federal Minister of Communication and Postal Services. A person who didn’t even have the caliber to pass an Environmental Sciences degree is now a federal minister.

Moreover, he has appointed someone like Fawad Chaudhry as the Minister of Science and Tech., a standup comedian who thinks that the Pakistan Space Program sent the Hubble telescope to space. Now even if he does not do a rupee of corruption, what values and what expertise will he bring to the Ministry of Science and Tech?

Of course there are many other examples as well of unqualified and incompetent people getting employed by the Khalifa-e-Waqt because apparently they are honest.

Pakistan’s stunted development is a direct consequence of military dictatorship. Unfortunately, the untimely death of M. Jinnah created a power vacuum that was dully occupied by the military establishment. Since then, they have control both the foreign and domestic policy of Pakistan to serve their selfish interests.

People talk about corruption of Nawaz and Bhutto clans, but their corruption pales in comparison to the corruption of the military top brass and it is not just limited to scamming people in Defense Housing schemes and grabbing lands illegally.

Moreover, the comparisons with UAE are illogical. UAE is not a democracy but Pakistan is, or at least it pretends to be. In a democracy, civilian supremacy is of paramount importance and you cannot achieve civilian supremacy when the armed forces have their tentacles in every department.

If we want to follow the UAE model, well then discard the constitution, choose a royal family and appoint a ruler. However, as long as Pakistan pretends to be a democracy, we cannot have military personnel running civil institutions. It makes it impossible to check their powers and curb their influence which have already done severe damage to this country.

 

[Hermoine Green]

The monopoly and “badmashi” of the armed forces must be challenged if the country is to steer in the right direction.

PAF has nothing to do with PIA.

Judiciary is the only hope to curb the power of the armed forces since the government is spineless. It is good to see that they have finally woken up and are slowly refusing to take dictations.

As usual you dont know the background. He got suspended, when he started investigation of fake degrees

Hope this can give you a hint.

 

[Hermoine Green]

People wondering about capacity, well let me tell you some.

1. Developed Air Weapon Complex

2. Completed Thunder Project

3. Provided Spare Parts Locally For Airforce

4. Started Turning PIA Around

PIA losses were decreased, finally PIA was making some progress.

And people are questioning about his credibility?

Why he wasnt suspended before? He got suspended once he started investigation

 

[Mamoon]

As usual you dont know the background. He got suspended, when he started investigation of fake degrees

Hope this can give you a hint.

Yes sure, just like he was appointed on pure merit. Thank you for enlightening me.

 

[Mamoon]

People wondering about capacity, well let me tell you some.

1. Developed Air Weapon Complex

2. Completed Thunder Project

3. Provided Spare Parts Locally For Airforce

4. Started Turning PIA Around

PIA losses were decreased, finally PIA was making some progress.

And people are questioning about his credibility?

Why he wasnt suspended before? He got suspended once he started investigation

Again same question. Is only an Air Force Chief capable of introducing these reforms in a commercial airliner?

What will Pakistan today if the “all in one” armed forces decide to focus only on their jobs and not interfere in civilian departments?

Why is an Air Marshall the head of PIA? can a civilian be an Air Force Chief?

 

[the Great Khan]

Who was in charge before him. Can you give us the names of the ceos before him and why they failed?

Also can you explain why PIA ha's been run into the ground?

Instead of moaning about the armed forces all the time can you tell us what links the ppp has to the unions within PIA?

 

[Hermoine Green]

Again same question. Is only an Air Force Chief capable of introducing these reforms in a commercial airliner?

What will Pakistan today if the “all in one” armed forces decide to focus only on their jobs and not interfere in civilian departments?

Why is an Air Marshall the head of PIA? can a civilian be an Air Force Chief?

And again same question, in which book it is written that AF Chief CAN NOT be capable of running reforms in PIA?

He proved his selection by doing positive reforms and reducing the losses in PIA.

Can a civilian be an AFC? Can you a Doctor become DEO? Hope you got your answer kiddo.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Who was in charge before him. Can you give us the names of the ceos before him and why they failed?

Also can you explain why PIA ha's been run into the ground?

Instead of moaning about the armed forces all the time can you tell us what links the ppp has to the unions within PIA?

You wont get reply to these am pretty sure

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

And again same question, in which book it is written that AF Chief CAN NOT be capable of running reforms in PIA?

He proved his selection by doing positive reforms and reducing the losses in PIA.

Can a civilian be an AFC? Can you a Doctor become DEO? Hope you got your answer kiddo.

I agree this Chairman has done a good job. Also the Best Chairman of PIA was Nur Khan, who was from the Air Force. It would be one thing if people complained about an army general, or navy admiral becoming the head of the PIA, but an Air Force Marshal is certainly capable.

 

[Mamoon]

PIA awards Rs700m contract to dubious company

ISLAMABAD:-In a scandalous deal, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have awarded a contract of Rs700 million for the up-gradation of In Flight Entertainment (IFE) in eight Boeing 777 aircraft to a local company which was registered only two months before the tender was floated.


A retired Pakistan Air Force officer, Group Captain (R) Khawaja Moizuddin, is the owner of that company, M/s Avionic Solutions Private Limited. It was incorporated with a capital share of Rs100,000. He is said to be a close friend of PIA CEO, Air Marshal Arshad Malik. The PIA spokesman termed the allegation “highly unfair and absurd.” Malik is presently under suspension on the order of the Sindh High Court after a petitioner challenged his appointment.

Avionic Solutions, according to PIA spokesman, has extensive commercial and military avionics modifications and technical support experience and are working with local and international players. However, this claim is in contrast with the details mentioned in the documents available with The News.

They indicate the company was registered only in March last year, two months before the tender was floated by PIA in which Avionic Solutions participated and won. M/s AAR International Corporations of Singapore, with 70-year experience in the relevant field, was another company that participated in the bid and lost.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/601878-pia-awards-rs700m-contract-to-dubious-company

Welcome to Naya Pakistan. A country where a former Air Force Chief is going to run the commercial airline and a former Air Force Group Captain is going to provide the entertainment system for the aircrafts.

It is time to change the name from PIA to PAFA (Pakistan Air Force Airline). The in-flight entertainment should only include PAF songs and interview of Abhinandan.

I am amazed at the talents of our armed forces. No country in the world has such talented and multi-skilled armed forces.

While other armed forces are experts in warfare and defense, our armed forces are experts in the following departments:

Warfare (It doesn’t matter if they have never won any, and surrendered East Pakistan with 90,000 POWs)
Defense
Politics
Economics
Civil aviation
Sports - PAF runs golf clubs all over the country as well as several squash, tennis and swimming facilities.
Real estate
Film and drama production
Food manufacturing
Fertilizers
Telecommunication
Developing video games for mobile phones

I sincerely hope I have not missed out on any of their skills and expertise.

 

[minamino]

PIA has to be the most pathetic airlines around, I would never take a risk of this airline.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Nothing will change with this organisation.

 

[MenInG]

The Supreme Court rejected on Tuesday Air Marshal Arshad Malik’s appeal to remain the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) while raising suspicions on increased fares and appointment of ten officers of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in the national carrier.

The three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, called into question the appointments of four air vice marshals, two air commodores, three wing commanders and one flight lieutenant in the national airline.

"How can Arshad Malik make such appointments when he himself is appointed on deputation?" questioned the top judge.

The bench also noted that another case pertaining to the PIA chief's appointment was already being heard in the Supreme Court.

Malik had filed a petition in the Supreme Court, requesting for a stay order against a Sindh High Court order, which restrained him from working as PIA's CEO.

During the hearing today, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, who was part of the bench hearing the case, said: "We want to see if the advertisement of PIA CEO's post was designed with Arshad Malik in mind as he does not have the pre-requisite qualification, education or the expertise required for the job."

Justice Shah also raised concerns over reports that a bid worth Rs70 million was awarded to an air commodore and said that the "fares of PIA had increased by 100 per cent" since Malik's appointment.

"You are running the national airline's affairs like those of a family business […] How can you manage PIA when you failed Shaheen Airways miserably?" he remarked.

The Supreme Court rejected Malik's plea and handed the reins of PIA to the board of governors. The bench summoned the record of the case which is currently being heard in the SHC and adjourned the hearing until two weeks.

Malik's appointment challenged in SHC
A petition challenging Malik's appointment was filed in the Sindh High Court by Safdar Anjum, the general secretary of one of the associations of PIA senior staff/employee. Anjum insisted that he was filing the petition for the enforcement of fundamental rights of all members of the association and the general public since the PIA was a national asset.

Impleading the PIA CEO, the federation through principal secretary to the prime minister, secretaries of the cabinet and aviation divisions, PIA and others as respondents, the petitioner stated that Air Marshal Malik was a senior serving officer of the PAF whose appointment as the PIA chief was made in utter disregard of rules laid down by the apex court in its August 3, 2018 judgement against the appointment of the then CEO.

He maintained that the appointment was also made in violation of the Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules of 2013 and Public Sector Companies (Appointment of Chief Executive) Guidelines of 2015 as both the laws were applicable to the PIA.

The lawyer for the petitioner told the bench that the main respondent was holding a basic BSc degree and seemed to have acquired qualifications in war studies.

He added that clearly Malik lacked any qualifications, experience in the commercial airline industry or operating a commercial fleet under the civil aviation rules and international treaties.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1529693/s...king-questions-appointment-of-10-paf-officers

 

[Kroll]

Sky high prices but low end services.

 

[saeed5646]

Travel with my bride from lahore to Islamabad on PIA flight . flight was delayed 4 hours have to say it was pathetic and scary experience .Even my friends on car from lahore reach before my landing on Islamabad airport

 

[The_KING]

Went to Pakistan in September with my family. We heard from people that “PIA is better now” and “has improved so much under Imran Khan’s leadership.” So we thought lets use PIA for the first time in nearly 10 years.

Well what fools were we. Broken seats, average food, rude air hostess and NO IN FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. The TVs weren’t working. Seriously, how the hell does any airline in this day and age not have any in-flight entertainment? Because I can’t sleep in planes, the 7.5 hour journey from London to Lahore was the longest 7.5 hours of my life. Obviously, I came prepared for the return journey.

PIA is an embarrassment to the airline industry and I will stick to Qatar and Emirates for my travels from now on. I am never flying with PIA again!

 

[Bewal Express]

I have booked my family on PIA. It is the patriotic vote, so IA they don't let us down. The travel agent told me that he has seen an improvement in administration in PIA, let's hope the improvement can be seen on the planes.

 

[minamino]

I would never book my family on PIA even if someone offered me million dollars, Safety and family comes first for me.

 

[Technics 1210]

I would never book my family on PIA even if someone offered me million dollars, Safety and family comes first for me.

Please don't.

Travel with Air India. The second largest terrorist attack since 911 took place on an Air India flight over the Atlantic.

 

[Napa]

Air India is far superior to PIA - they serve direct flights to the US and North America and have more than twice the no. Of destinations than PIA.

Their business class is fantastic and they are also a member of the Star Alliance. Not to mention the superior quality of their aircraft fleet.

The difference between PIA and Air India is night and day...

Air India is only one airlines among many in India, and definitely not the best run given that it is government operated. I have flown Air India a few times, their seats are good (ample leg space) and their food is good. Rest is quite poor, impossible to make changes to tickets by calling them on the phone. I am sure that will improve once it is privatized.

Fleet sizes are: IndiGo 257; Air India (incl. subsidiaries) 161; SpiceJet 115; GoAir 57; Vistara 41; and others.

PIA's fleet size is 32.

 

[DeadBall]

I have booked my family on PIA. It is the patriotic vote, so IA they don't let us down.

They will. No point in making yourself and your family go through all that.

The travel agent told me that he has seen an improvement in administration in PIA, let's hope the improvement can be seen on the planes.

That's the travel agents job, he has to sell tickets, especially in this day and age where his or her services are almost obsolete.

 

[Bewal Express]

They will. No point in making yourself and your family go through all that.



That's the travel agents job, he has to sell tickets, especially in this day and age where his or her services are almost obsolete.

The travel agent is a family friend and he said he there was def improvement in administration from his point view. He said where before he needed to contact at PIA, it was very difficult but he said its much easier now. I am not sure whether they have gone from centralisation to decentralisation, or the other way round.

 

[Kroll]

Some passengers on PIA don't make it easy for themselves or the PIA staff by acting like complete and utter muttonheads.

They love causing a disturbance not just for themselves but others as well. I'm not surprised some PIA flight crew are rude as a result of having to deal with these paindus on a regular basis.

 

[TrentDevil]

I read somewhere that PIA is official travel partner of Karachi Kings, is that true?

 

[msaaim89]

The travel agent is a family friend and he said he there was def improvement in administration from his point view. He said where before he needed to contact at PIA, it was very difficult but he said its much easier now. I am not sure whether they have gone from centralisation to decentralisation, or the other way round.

Still don't answer phone. Email responses taken two days.

 

[Bewal Express]

Still don't answer phone. Email responses taken two days.

I am only going what he says. He said he had def seen an improvement as far as his queries are concerned. I think it should be privatised as quick as possible.

 

[Technics 1210]

I am only going what he says. He said he had def seen an improvement as far as his queries are concerned. I think it should be privatised as quick as possible.

Agree PIA should be privatised. The airline has been a cash cow for decades, and more so when major airlines stopped flying to Pakistan.

PIA should approach Boeing just as it did when helping to design the 777-200ER.

Personally I would want PIA to start using 747-8 series.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIA</a> is accommodating overseas travelers on its planes after charging three times the cost of a ticket. <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_PIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Official_PIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wi8KxrVNtP">pic.twitter.com/Wi8KxrVNtP</a></p>— Islamabad (@Islaamabad) <a href="https://twitter.com/Islaamabad/status/1254424495772897282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[khiska]

my buddy and his family is stuck in Karachi and need to get back to Toronto, they flew via PIA and had a return ticket yet they have been pushed back for these "special" flights, PIA is now asking for $3k per person, including 3k for a kid thats under 1 year old

Hopeless situation

 

[King-Misbah]

my buddy and his family is stuck in Karachi and need to get back to Toronto, they flew via PIA and had a return ticket yet they have been pushed back for these "special" flights, PIA is now asking for $3k per person, including 3k for a kid thats under 1 year old

Hopeless situation

Whu are they in Pakistan when most western countries offered guidelines so that their people do not travel or return home. Time to take responsibility and not blame PIA. These flights return empty hence expensive.

 

[Saj]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIA</a> is accommodating overseas travelers on its planes after charging three times the cost of a ticket. <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_PIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Official_PIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wi8KxrVNtP">pic.twitter.com/Wi8KxrVNtP</a></p>— Islamabad (@Islaamabad) <a href="https://twitter.com/Islaamabad/status/1254424495772897282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A relative flew from Islamabad to the UK after being stuck in Pakistan for a few weeks.

The only way out was to pay PIA staff backhanders and 4 times the normal ticket price.

 

[Napa]

A relative flew from Islamabad to the UK after being stuck in Pakistan for a few weeks.

The only way out was to pay PIA staff backhanders and 4 times the normal ticket price.

I didn't really pay much attention to the passenger's whining, but was getting inordinately stress wondering if the guy would be able to close the lid of the overhead baggage space

 

[The Viper]

Whu are they in Pakistan when most western countries offered guidelines so that their people do not travel or return home. Time to take responsibility and not blame PIA. These flights return empty hence expensive.

Maybe the guy and his family were in Pakistan before all the guidelines were implemented? No need to be judgmental, without knowing the facts.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Whu are they in Pakistan when most western countries offered guidelines so that their people do not travel or return home. Time to take responsibility and not blame PIA. These flights return empty hence expensive.

I have family members in Pakistan, they were in the land since last October. We arranged for them to fly home on the first flight back but UK is not a place to be at present. In Pakistan they live very comfortably and also safer imo. They are also there helping the poorest around them, esp now with the wheat harvest, all going to the poor. If they come back, there is no way to be sure those who can be helped will be. ITs not always about me , me and me .

 

[King-Misbah]

Maybe the guy and his family were in Pakistan before all the guidelines were implemented? No need to be judgmental, without knowing the facts.

Even if guidelines were implemented after the family was there, still there was an adequate period of time before the air space was closed. I ought not to be judgmental but I disagree with people talking bad about PIA when on the end of the day they put their staff lives at risk for these same people. It is not the greatest airline, things ain't perfect but let's be appreciative.

 

[King-Misbah]

I have family members in Pakistan, they were in the land since last October. We arranged for them to fly home on the first flight back but UK is not a place to be at present. In Pakistan they live very comfortably and also safer imo. They are also there helping the poorest around them, esp now with the wheat harvest, all going to the poor. If they come back, there is no way to be sure those who can be helped will be. ITs not always about me , me and me .

Well my family had to get a special flight home. Yes, it is bad in the UK but god forbid it will only get worse in Pakistan. UK still has a better healthcare.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Well my family had to get a special flight home. Yes, it is bad in the UK but god forbid it will only get worse in Pakistan. UK still has a better healthcare.

Yep, its not an easy decision and I understand why you'd prefer them to be in the UK, closer to you etc.

I just disagree on the safety in the UK esp if it's elders and they have had the flu jab. If it does get very bad in Pakistan, then we can always bring them back.

But if they choose to come back, not sure why some are upset with PIA. We know what they are like even with new media screens, they dont care about anyones health on board(in general). Planes are very risky if they have a few passengers on board who are infected. Where you family tested before boarding?

 

[King-Misbah]

Yep, its not an easy decision and I understand why you'd prefer them to be in the UK, closer to you etc.

I just disagree on the safety in the UK esp if it's elders and they have had the flu jab. If it does get very bad in Pakistan, then we can always bring them back.

But if they choose to come back, not sure why some are upset with PIA. We know what they are like even with new media screens, they dont care about anyones health on board(in general). Planes are very risky if they have a few passengers on board who are infected. Where you family tested before boarding?

No, they were not tested for corona but I believe all passengers had a temperature check. I was disappointed as my mother is vulnerable but yet again, it was the British governments responsibility to make sure that its citizens are tested before safely boarding a flight. We were given mixed information by both governments on the corona testing.

What is the relationship between the flu jab and the corona virus?

 

[KingKhanWC]

No, they were not tested for crona but I believe all passengers had a temperature check. I was disappointed as my mother is vulnerable but yet again, it was the British governments responsibility to make sure that its citizens are tested before safely boarding a flight.

What is the relationship between the flu jab and the corona virus?

Glad to hear your mother is safe and well. I agree it should be up to the British government but they cant even test the all the health workers.

While Emirates airlines is doing this.

"Dubai, UAE, 15 April 2020 – Emirates in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will be introducing additional precautions. Passengers on today’s flight to Tunisia were all tested for COVID-19 before departing from Dubai. Emirates is the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers.

The quick blood test was conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and results were available within 10 minutes. This test was conveniently done at the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3."

https://www.emirates.com/media-cent...-on-site-rapid-covid-19-tests-for-passengers/

They increase the risk by 5 fold.

but he overlooks the possibility that seasonal flu shots are potential contributors to the current outbreak. (BMJ 2020;398:m810—February 28)….A randomized placebo-controlled trial in children showed that flu shots increased fivefold the risk of acute respiratory infections caused by a group of noninfluenza viruses, including coronaviruses. (

https://www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m810/rr-0

 

[Abdullah719]

PM orders reforms in PIA to bring down losses

ISLAMABAD: As the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is running into Rs6 billion losses per month, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday ordered restructuring of the national flag carrier to diminish burden of its losses on people.

Presiding over a meeting on aviation in the backdrop of the recent PIA plane crash in Karachi that had claimed about 100 lives, the prime minister said: “Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country’s economy is facing difficulties and the people have had to bear the burden of billions of rupees loss on a monthly basis suffered by the state-owned entities.”

According to an official press release issued by the Prime Minister Office (PMO), the prime minister issued directives to bring down expenditures of the national flag carrier and focus on increase in its income, financial resources and upgrade of its fleet.

Spoiler

He also directed to utilise trillion of rupees domestic and foreign assets of PIA through a complete transparent and clear manner. “The assets should create financial resources for the organisation instead of becoming a burden on the general public,” he added.

The prime minister was apprised that during the last 12 years ten heads of the PIA had been changed.

Presenting a detailed briefing to the prime minister, PIA’s Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik said in the prevailing situation, the national flag carrier was running into loss of around Rs6 billion per month.

He said Rs 24 billion was being spent yearly on the payment of salaries to PIA’s 14,500 employees alone.

The CEO said lengthy litigation was one of the hurdles in the way of reforms in PIA as due to the legal cases, he too could not carry out his duties for a period of three months out of his 16-month tenure.

“Due to such issues, the reforms process in the organisation was badly suffered,” he added.

Mr Malik apprised the prime minister about the progress regarding investigation into the Karachi plane crash, handing over of bodies to their bereaved families and payment of compensation amount to the heirs of plane crash victims.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Adviser on Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, Special Assistant retired Lt Gen Asim Salim Bajwa and other senior officials.

A timeline for restructuring of the PIA and a comprehensive roadmap over reforms and implementation was also submitted before the prime minister.

The CEO of the national flag carrier said due to the prevailing situation, the airlines industry throughout the world had been affected and reforms in that regard, were being carried out in the organisation.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1562320/pm-orders-reforms-in-pia-to-bring-down-losses

 

[Bewal Express]

PM orders reforms in PIA to bring down losses

ISLAMABAD: As the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is running into Rs6 billion losses per month, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday ordered restructuring of the national flag carrier to diminish burden of its losses on people.

Presiding over a meeting on aviation in the backdrop of the recent PIA plane crash in Karachi that had claimed about 100 lives, the prime minister said: “Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country’s economy is facing difficulties and the people have had to bear the burden of billions of rupees loss on a monthly basis suffered by the state-owned entities.”

According to an official press release issued by the Prime Minister Office (PMO), the prime minister issued directives to bring down expenditures of the national flag carrier and focus on increase in its income, financial resources and upgrade of its fleet.

Spoiler

He also directed to utilise trillion of rupees domestic and foreign assets of PIA through a complete transparent and clear manner. “The assets should create financial resources for the organisation instead of becoming a burden on the general public,” he added.

The prime minister was apprised that during the last 12 years ten heads of the PIA had been changed.

Presenting a detailed briefing to the prime minister, PIA’s Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik said in the prevailing situation, the national flag carrier was running into loss of around Rs6 billion per month.

He said Rs 24 billion was being spent yearly on the payment of salaries to PIA’s 14,500 employees alone.

The CEO said lengthy litigation was one of the hurdles in the way of reforms in PIA as due to the legal cases, he too could not carry out his duties for a period of three months out of his 16-month tenure.

“Due to such issues, the reforms process in the organisation was badly suffered,” he added.

Mr Malik apprised the prime minister about the progress regarding investigation into the Karachi plane crash, handing over of bodies to their bereaved families and payment of compensation amount to the heirs of plane crash victims.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Adviser on Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, Special Assistant retired Lt Gen Asim Salim Bajwa and other senior officials.

A timeline for restructuring of the PIA and a comprehensive roadmap over reforms and implementation was also submitted before the prime minister.

The CEO of the national flag carrier said due to the prevailing situation, the airlines industry throughout the world had been affected and reforms in that regard, were being carried out in the organisation.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1562320/pm-orders-reforms-in-pia-to-bring-down-losses

A Great chance is being missed to cut out the political appointments from the PIA. The PIA work force is at least double what it should be after the Nooras and PPP put party workers in to steal from the airline.

 

[Abdullah719]

PIA aircraft denied take-off over technical issue

KARACHI: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft no PK-605 was denied take-off from Gilgit airport after bolt of the landing gear wheel was found missing from the aircraft, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Sources said, the flight landed Gilgit airport from Islamabad and during inspection it was revealed that landing gear wheel’s bolt is missing.

Finding the bolt of landing gear missing, the Civil Aviation Authority barred plane from take-off, while engineers of the PIA are inspecting the aircraft.

Earlier on June 10, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Riyadh had to make an emergency landing at the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, after the plane developed technical fault.

According to details, a PIA flight PK-8726 from Riyadh was scheduled to land at Multan airport but developed a technical fault, forcing it to make an emergency landing at the Karachi airport.

The sources had said that the issue developed with the door of the plane as it was unable to be closed down properly.

The passengers after knowing the matter, had refused to fly from the same plane and demanded of the authorities to make an alternative arrangement for them.

https://arynews.tv/en/pia-aircraft-pk-605-denied-take-off-technical-issue/

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PM IK chaired a high level meeting today on the updates of reforms and restructuring process undertaken by PIA Management. CEO Arshad Malik briefed the august forum. Challenges faced by PIA pertaining to COVID19 were also discussed in detail as aviation is the worst hit industry <a href="https://t.co/zZwtAfRtI1">pic.twitter.com/zZwtAfRtI1</a></p>— PIA (@Official_PIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_PIA/status/1274005581649641473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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