Fatima Khalid

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once a symbol of national pride and a formidable player in global aviation, has faced a significant decline over the years. Several factors have contributed to the downfall of the airline, including mismanagement, financial instability, political interference, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and increasing competition from private carriers and international airlines. Below is an in-depth analysis of how PIA went from launching Emirates to struggling for buyers. Today, the government is attempting to privatize PIA, but the process is faltering due to a lack of interested buyers. According to The Express Tribune, the government invited bids for PIA’s privatization, but only one party, Blue World City Real Estate Development, emerged as a bidder. Blue World City offered Rs. 10 billion, far below the government’s target price of Rs. 85 billion. Once a trendsetter in global aviation, PIA was leading the industry in innovation and technology. However, over the decades, its accumulated debt has soared to Rs. 830 billion, with losses estimated at Rs. 700 billion. In 1946, Orient Airways was established in Calcutta under the leadership of Mirza Ahmed Ispahani. After the partition of India, M.A. Ispahani relocated the airline to Karachi. The need for domestic and international flights increased due to the geographical distance between East and West Pakistan. Recognizing this, the government decided to establish its own airline. In 1955, it merged with Orient Airways to form PIA, which launched its first international route to London with stops in Cairo and Rome. The golden era of PIA began in 1959 under the leadership of Air Commodore Noor Khan, who implemented transformative reforms that turned PIA into a profitable enterprise. PIA became the first airline in Asia to acquire a Boeing 707B and launched international flights to Dhaka, London, and Karachi in 1960. Soon after, it established a Karachi-to-New York route and introduced helicopter services in East Pakistan, setting industry benchmarks. In 1962, PIA set a world record by completing a London-to-Karachi flight in 6 hours, 43 minutes, and 51 seconds—a record that remains unbroken. Pakistan was also the first country to establish direct air access to China by landing a PIA flight in Beijing. Furthermore, PIA became the world’s first airline to integrate computer technology, using IBM systems in the 1960s.

During Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, the Open Skies policy was introduced, allowing any airline to operate as many flights as they wished to and from Karachi. Inspired by Singapore’s model, the policy was implemented without fully considering Pakistan’s unique economic and geopolitical realities. At the time, Karachi was the only major gateway for international travel from Pakistan, and opening the market to foreign airlines severely impacted PIA’s revenue. According to Irfan Ghani, former Director of Marketing and Corporate Planning at PIA, the airline was unprepared for competition, having previously operated in a monopolistic environment. The government failed to consult PIA before implementing the policy and only sought its input after the decision had been finalized. Although the policy was later withdrawn, agreements with Dubai and Emirates had already been formalized, leading to lasting consequences. During Musharraf’s tenure, a presentation highlighted the negative impact of the liberal aviation policy, prompting efforts to mitigate its effects in 2002-2003. However, by then, PIA’s profitability had already suffered significantly. The airline, once generating Rs.10 billion in annual profits, became a loss-making entity. Another significant factor contributing to PIA’s decline was its aging fleet. The government ceased fleet upgrades due to economic constraints, leading to operational inefficiencies. Currently, PIA operates 32 aircraft, with 16 reportedly grounded. A nation with a population of 240 million now has only 16 operational planes in its national airline comparable to the number of aircraft used in a single Hollywood movie production.

Due to the aging fleet, PIA’s Pilot Union went on strike, refusing to fly outdated aircraft for more than 80 hours, citing safety concerns. Before the establishment of the European Union (EU) in 1993, individual European nations inspected PIA flights independently. When faults were detected, PIA would reroute problematic aircraft to other destinations. However, after the EU’s formation, member states began sharing safety data, revealing widespread issues with PIA’s maintenance and safety standards. As a result, the EU banned PIA from operating within European airspace. Short-term decision-making played a significant role in PIA’s decline. Since 92% of PIA’s shares belong to the government, successive administrations managed the airline for their immediate benefit, without implementing long-term strategies for sustainability. For example, during the Musharraf era, PIA was led by Ahmed Saeed, a businessman and classmate of Musharraf. Saeed secured Rs. 22 billion from the government, stating, “It’s enough to sustain the airline for four years the rest I don’t know.” When he resigned four years later, cash flow issues erupted, further destabilizing the airline. In 2011, a six-week survey conducted by MBA interns at PIA found that passengers avoided PIA for two primary reasons:

1. Limited weekly flights.
2. The absence of alcohol service on international routes. Unlike PIA, most Muslim-majority airlines, except Iran Air and Saudia, served alcohol to international passengers.

From its inception, PIA resisted outsourcing, operating its own catering services, hospitals, press, horticulture division, maintenance offices, and even a poultry farm. While this insourcing model was necessary in the 1960s due to strained relations with India and a lack of Gulf-based airlines, it eventually became an operational burden. In 2000, the Haji Ibrahim Paracha Group acquired a 40% stake in PIA, marking a turbulent phase in the airline’s history. Haji Ibrahim Paracha’s appointment as Chairman of PIA’s Board of Directors, followed by his son Haji Mohammad Ibrahim’s role as Chief Financial Officer, led to a series of controversial decisions. Over 3,000 new employees were hired, increasing the workforce by 25% a move widely seen as political patronage rather than operational necessity. These hires received salaries significantly above industry standards, further straining PIA’s finances. PIA’s downfall can be attributed to a combination of mismanagement, political interference, financial misjudgment, and resistance to modernization. Once a leader in global aviation, PIA now struggles with mounting debts, operational inefficiencies, and an uncertain future. While privatization may offer a potential solution, the airline’s deep-rooted issues must first be addressed to restore its former glory.

Fatima Khalid

[email protected]

DNA

Lahore: Nine members of an international drug gang, who framed an innocent family by swapping their bag tags at the airport, have been arrested by ANF. Moreover, on the directions of Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, tireless efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) team led to the release and return of 5 members of the innocent family, who were detained in Saudi Arabia.

Interior and Narcotics Control Minister visited the residence of the family and met with them. He was accompanied by DG Anti-Narcotics Force Major General Abdul Mueed. Interior Minister expressed heartfelt sympathy with the affected family and congratulated them on their release and return home.

Mohsin Naqvi said that the pain the family endured is indescribable. The ANF worked day and night to track down the international gang and arrest the real culprits. He also praised the Saudi Government for their cooperation, saying, “I extend special thanks to the Saudi Government.”

Mohsin Naqvi commended the efforts of DG ANF and entire team in securing the release of the innocent family, adding that special awards will be given to the team. He highlighted that the ANF team worked extremely hard to resolve the case, and their efforts are praiseworthy.

The uncle of the affected family, Malik Arshad, thanked Mohsin Naqvi and the ANF team for their efforts. Haroon Ali, a member of the affected family, said that Mohsin Naqvi and DG ANF Major General Abdul Mueed did something that cannot be expressed in words.

It is worth noting that Farhana Akram, a resident of Lahore’s Maraghzar Colony, traveled to Saudi Arabia with her four family members, Haroon Ali, Malik Aziz, Fouzia Aziz, and Zakria Begum, on December 23. The drug mafia swapped Farhana’s bag tag with the help of airport staff. Consequently, Farhana and her family members were detained in Saudi Arabia on December 30.

The ANF investigated the case and arrested a porter after reviewing CCTV footage. The entire gang was exposed, and nine suspects, including the ringleader, were arrested. The ANF provided evidence to Saudi authorities, which led to the release of the innocent family.

Regional Director ANF Brigadier Sikandar Hayat, Director Enforcement Brigadier Imran, Director Intelligence Colonel Kamran, and other high-ranking officials were also present on the occasion.

KARACHI, FEB 2: /DNA/ – A large number of people of the Islamic Republic has visited the Tourism Pavilion of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) at the three-day Pakistan Travel Mart 2025 which has concluded here in Karachi on Sunday.

 The Ethiopian Embassy pavilion was inaugurated by  Minister of Sindh for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives H.E. Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, while H.E. Muhammad Kamran Tessori has the honor to formally open the Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony on the occasion.

During the three-day PTM, the exquisite tourism and diverse culture of the FDR Ethiopia especially its coffee ceremony remained the center of attraction, attracting the people from all walks of the life including the government officials, Parliamentarians, Ambassadors, Consul Generals, business and religious community, youth, students, media and civil society.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 02 (DNA) —  The recent transformation of public institutions in the federal capital through improved infrastructure, integration of modern technology, and an enhanced learning environment for the younger generation has marked a significant shift towards a more progressive education system.

With a strong commitment to digitalization and innovation, the government is taking several steps to ensure that public schools keep pace with modern educational demands. The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), with the support of the relevant ministry, has introduced various measures under new education policies to make learning more interactive and effective.

In an interview with media, the Director Colleges, Professor Shahid Mehmood Abbasi, who is also the Principal of Islamabad Model College for Boys I-8/3, highlighted the shift from traditional teaching methods to technology-driven solutions. “Gone are the days when a child simply read from a book while the teacher explained. Today’s students come to class already exposed to a wealth of information, thanks to IT tools,” he said.

To align with the changing educational landscape, smart classrooms equipped with smart boards, Chromebooks, and digital learning tools are being introduced. Teachers have undergone specialized training to effectively integrate these technologies into their lessons. “We’ve ensured that modern facilities, such as computer labs, smart classrooms, and e-libraries, are available across institutions.

Even junior students are being introduced to AI and IT tools to cultivate interest and build foundational skills early on,” Abbasi added. The initiative also includes the provision of Chromebooks to students, allowing them to engage in interactive, self-paced learning. “This approach not only enhances their learning capacity but also makes education enjoyable.

Students now have access to recorded lectures, educational resources, and external web links, which they can revisit at their convenience,” he explained. He credited Federal Secretary Education, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, for setting targets across institutions to develop smart classrooms and replicate other modern facilities.

About expanding technical education and career readiness, Abbasi said that FDE is equally focused on technical education and career counseling. Specialized technical labs are being established in 16 institutions, providing students with hands-on training in trades and IT-related skills, such as web development.

 “We aim to prepare students for the future job market by equipping them with employable skills. Career counseling sessions are also being organized to guide students in choosing suitable career paths based on global trends,” Abbasi stated.

A six-week web development course was recently organized at his college, where students showed great interest. About promotion of sports and extracurricular activities, he said that beyond academics, the government is emphasizing physical fitness by developing open gyms and sports facilities in both boys’ and girls’ institutions.

“Students actively participate in various sports competitions held in institutions, fostering a healthy lifestyle,” Abbasi noted. Additionally, the FDE has launched a kitchen gardening initiative to instill environmental awareness and encourage sustainable living. “We’re encouraging children and their families to grow organic vegetables at home.

This not only provides fresh produce but also strengthens their connection to nature,” he remarked. To inculcate book-reading habits, school libraries are being modernized with new books and e-library setups, allowing students access to online resources.

 Additionally, classroom libraries for younger children are being introduced to improve reading habits and vocabulary. Abbasi revealed that public institutions are now attracting students from private schools, thanks to the recent improvements. —DNA

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PALM BEACH, UNITED STATES, FEB 2 (AFP/APP): President Donald Trump is due to unleash fresh tariffs Saturday on major US trading partners Canada, Mexico and China — with Ottawa informed that levies will begin within days.

                  The US government has told Ottawa to expect 25 percent across-the-board tariffs on its exports starting Tuesday, with the exception of energy products like oil, a Canadian government source told AFP.

                  Those would face a 10 percent rate, added the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly.

                  Trump has threatened a similar 25 percent levy on Mexican imports, pointing to what he said was both North American neighbours’ failure to halt illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl across US borders.

                  On China, Trump vowed a 10 percent tariff, charging that it had a role in synthetic opioid’s production.

                  These threaten upheaval across supply chains from energy to automobiles and food, analysts said.

                  Trump has repeatedly expressed his love for tariffs and has signaled that Saturday’s action could be the first volley in further trade conflicts to come.

                  This week, the US president pledged to impose duties on the European Union.

                  He has also promised tariffs on semiconductors, steel, aluminium, as well as oil and gas — without specifying which countries would be targeted.

                  Trump returned to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for the weekend with no public events on his official schedule Saturday. He headed to the golf course Saturday morning.

                  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to hold a press conference around 6:00 pm (2300 GMT), two Canadian government sources told AFP.

                  – Growth concerns –

                  Imposing sweeping tariffs on three key US trading partners carries risks for Trump, who swept to victory in November’s election partly due to public dissatisfaction over the economy.

                  Higher import costs would likely “dampen consumer spending and business investment,” said EY chief economist Gregory Daco.

                  He expects inflation would rise by 0.7 percentage points in the first quarter this year with the tariffs, before gradually easing.

                  “Rising trade policy uncertainty will heighten financial market volatility and strain the private sector, despite the administration’s pro-business rhetoric,” he said.

                  Trump’s supporters have downplayed fears that tariffs would fuel inflation, with some suggesting his planned tax cuts and deregulation measures could boost growth instead.

                  Democratic lawmakers criticized Trump’s plans, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer saying Friday: “I am concerned these new tariffs will further drive up costs for American consumers.”

                  Canada and Mexico are major suppliers of US agricultural products, with imports totaling tens of billions of dollars from each country per year.

                  Tariffs would also hit the auto industry hard, with about 70 percent of light vehicles built in Canada and Mexico destined for the United States, according to S&P Global Mobility.

                  The research group added that automakers and suppliers also produce components throughout the region, meaning tariffs will likely increase costs for US-made vehicles.

                  – Ready to respond –

                  Trudeau said Friday that Ottawa is ready with “a purposeful, forceful” response.

                  Doug Ford, premier of Canada’s economic engine Ontario, warned Saturday that “the impact of these tariffs will be felt almost immediately,” predicting potential job losses and a slowdown in business.

                  Canada should “hit back hard and hit back strong,” he said at a local election campaign stop.

                  Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum previously said her government would await any announcement “with a cool head” and had plans for whatever Washington decides.

                  Sheinbaum has met Mexican business representatives, with her economy minister Marcelo Ebrard saying on social media Saturday that the private sector was closing ranks around her in the face of potential commercial “arbitrariness.”

                  White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, however, on Friday dismissed concerns of a trade war.

                  Hiking import taxes on crude oil from countries like Canada and Mexico could bring “huge implications for US energy prices, especially in the US Midwest,” noted David Goldwyn and Joseph Webster of the Atlantic Council.

                  Trump said Friday he was mulling a lower tariff rate on oil.

                  Nearly 60 percent of US crude oil imports are from Canada, according to a Congressional Research Service report.

LHCBA calls for Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s meeting to pick judges to be cancelled immediately

LAHORE, FEB 2 /DNA/ – Lawyers across the country have announced plans to march towards Islamabad on February 10 in protest against the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

The decision was made during a convention organised by the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), where LHCBA President Asad Manzoor Butt presented the convention’s declaration.

Butt said that legal professionals nationwide demand a full court hearing on the matter, insisting that Supreme Court proceedings be broadcast live.

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s (JCP) meeting, to be held on February 10, should be cancelled immediately, he demanded and said no new appointments should be made until the case on 26th Amendment is decided, adding that the senior most judge of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) should be made its chief justice.

“We condemn the suspension of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Secretary Salman Mansoor. We condemn the amendment to the Peca [Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act]. All lawyers fully support the struggle of journalists,” he stated.

LHCBA former president Rabia Bajwa said that there was a clear division among lawyers — one faction stood with the powers that be, while the other stood with the Constitution — and “we are with the faction standing with the Constitution and law.

“We salute the brave judges of the IHC; we condemned the action against SCBA Secretary Salman Mansoor who stood up to protect the Constitution,” she added.

Senator Hamid Khan said that the lawyers’ movement had started and it would sweep away the 26th Amendment. “Our struggle is moving forward. Lawyers’ organisations have filed petitions against the 26th Amendment. The full court consisting of the current 16 judges should hear these petitions,” he demanded.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 1 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday visited native village of Major Hamza Israr Shaheed. He offered fateha at the grave of Major Hamza Israr who embraced martyrdom during operation against terrorists in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.

He laid wreath at the grave of the martyred officer and paid him tribute.

He also met with the heirs of Major Hamza and expressed condolences.

The President prayed for elevation of the ranks of Shaheed and for grant of fortitude to the bereaved family.

He lauded Major Hamza for his services for the country and for offering the ultimate sacrifice.

He appreciated patriotism of the Shaheed and his bereaved family.

RAWALPINDI, 1 FEB: /DNA/ – General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited Balochistan where he was given a comprehensive brief on the prevailing security situation in Balochistan which was also attended by senior security and intelligence officials.

COAS, Governor and CM Balochistan offered funeral prayers of the Shaheeds and also visited the injured soldiers in the Combined Military Hospital Quetta and appreciated their unwavering commitment to defending the country at all costs.

COAS highlighted that those who are acting as terrorist proxies of their foreign masters who have mastered the art of manifesting double standards of hunting with the hound and running with the hare are well known to us. No matter what these so called “frenemies” may do, you will surely be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its Armed Forces Inshallah. For the defence of our motherland and its people, we will definitely retaliate and ‘hunt you down’, whenever required and wherever you may be.

COAS also appreciated the efforts of the valiant officers and soldiers of Army, Frontier Corps and Law Enforcement Agencies for their courage and determination towards fighting terrorism. He reassured Army’s resolve to ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Balochistan, while also reaffirming commitment to supporting the provincial government in its efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in the region.