ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed confidence that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would reach new heights under the leadership of the Arif Habib Consortium, saying the airline’s performance, punctuality, cabin services and professional standards would significantly improve.
The prime minister was speaking at a ceremony held for the signing of transaction documents between the government and the Arif Habib Consortium for the privatisation of PIA. He congratulated the nation on the successful signing ceremony, calling it a major milestone.
PM Shehbaz said Arif Habib and his team were distinguished business ambassadors of Pakistan who had made valuable contributions to the country’s progress. He said the first priority of the new owners would be passenger comfort and safety.
Recalling PIA’s past, the prime minister said that during the 1960s the national carrier was at its peak and was a recognised name in major cities of Pakistan and world capitals. He expressed hope that the airline would regain its past glory through innovation and dedicated efforts by the new management.
He congratulated the federal ministers, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their commitment to national interest, and appreciated Advisor for Privatisation Muhammad Ali for successfully completing the privatisation process.
PM Shehbaz said the privatisation of PIA was conducted in a transparent manner and telecast live. He said the bidding was finalised at Rs180 billion, out of which the consortium would invest Rs135 billion in improving PIA, while the government would receive Rs55 billion.
He said the nation now expected world-class travel services from the airline and hoped that Pakistan’s image would gain renewed recognition globally.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and federal ministers attended the ceremony.
Advisor for Privatisation Muhammad Ali, while briefing the participants, said the people of Pakistan would be the ultimate beneficiaries of the transaction as PIA’s services would see marked improvement.
