PIA has lot of potential for revival: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that a dedicated gigantic workforce is required in PIA to lead the national flag carrier towards progress and development as the airline has a glorious past and the people of Pakistan expect its employees to work hard to bring it back to the same echelon.
The prime minister was talking to PIA’s Air League Union (ALU) officials who called on him at the PM House on Friday. Federal Minister Senator Mushahidullah Khan who is among the founders of the ALU was also present on the occasion.
The matters pertaining to the revival of PIA came under discussion during the meeting. The prime minister congratulated the Air League for taking the office of Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) and expressed the hope that the League would work to bring improvement in the Corporation.
The prime minister said PIA has lot of potential for revival which is required to be harnessed with a consistent effort. Government being the major stakeholder will always remain committed to achieve this objective, he said.
The prime minister said every employee of PIA should join hands with the government in its policy of reviving and revamping of PIA in order to make it a more responsive and profit earning entity.
The prime minister said $15 million have been provided to PIA for inducting 15 aircraft in its fleet on dry lease, as equity in order to revive the Corporation. Besides, Rs16 billion have been given to PIA from the national exchequer as bailout package.
He said he would visit PIA headquarters in Karachi and seek a detailed presentation on improving its image and service, while reducing its losses.The prime minister was informed that Air League is currently the representative body of more than 8000 PIA employees.The union officials apprised the prime minister of various matters relating to PIA and gave suggestions for its revival.