ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation into a misleading advertisement by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) regarding its Paris flights.
Controversial PIA Advertisement Sparks Outrage
A recent advertisement by PIA claiming the airline would resume flights to Paris has sparked criticism. The ad featured a PIA aircraft near the Eiffel Tower with the message, “We Are Coming.” Critics, including Senator Sherry Rehman, questioned the accuracy of this claim, considering PIA’s current operational challenges.
Senator Sherry Rehman Questions Privatization and Fleet Status
In a Senate session, Senator Sherry Rehman raised concerns about the status of PIA’s privatization and its fleet. She noted that out of 34 planes, only 19 were operational, while the rest remained grounded. Rehman also criticized the misleading nature of the advertisement.
Current Status of PIA’s Fleet
To clarify the operational status of PIA’s fleet, Senator Ishaq Dar shared the following details:
| Fleet Status | Number of Planes | Operational Status |
|---|---|---|
| Total Planes | 34 | |
| Operational | 19 | Active, in use |
| Grounded | 15 | Under maintenance or grounded |
Prime Minister’s Intervention and Investigation
In response to the criticism, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered an investigation into the misleading advertisement. The inquiry will focus on identifying those responsible for approving the ad.
PIA’s Ongoing Challenges and Efforts for Privatization
Senator Dar also updated on PIA’s privatization process, confirming that it is moving forward. The government is aiming to involve the corporate sector to improve the airline’s operations and ensure its sustainability. Privatization efforts are expected to bring significant reforms to PIA’s management and financial structure.
Restoring PIA Flights to the UK and Financial Losses
Dar revealed that efforts are underway to restore PIA’s flights to the UK, with hopes of resuming services by March or April. He also addressed the significant financial losses PIA has suffered due to the flight ban, which has cost the airline approximately 87 billion rupees annually.
| Financial Impact of Flight Ban | Losses per Year |
|---|---|
| European, UK, and US Ban | 87 billion rupees |
Impact of Statements on Pakistani Pilots’ Reputation
Senator Dar also discussed the damage caused by a former minister’s statement about fraudulent Pakistani pilots, which contributed to the ban on PIA flights in Europe, the UK, and the US. The government is taking steps to restore the reputation of Pakistani aviation professionals.
