According to a newspaper story, six pre-qualified bidders are currently conducting due diligence on PIA’s data. However, these bidders reportedly have concerns over the European Aviation Safety Agency (EUASA)’s ban on Pakistani airlines including PIA. It must be remembered that a former cabinet member had said certain very adverse but erroneous things about our pilots which, in my view, were likely among the factors that led to the ban on PIA.
The present privatization minister has also mentioned that PIA had some of the best routes and spots and that very soon the apprehension of the bidders would be removed. It is very important for our minister and other senior office holders to be very careful when it comes to their words and deeds as they can have a long-term effect on the affairs of the country.
Akbar Jan Marwat
Islamabad