By Our Correspondent
Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence, chaired by Talha Mahmood, on Monday unanimously approved “The Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) (Repeal) Bill, 2026,” paving the way for the privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) while ensuring the national carrier’s name and brand identity remain intact.
The committee meeting at Parliament House reviewed the proposed legislation, privatization framework, aviation safety concerns, regional air connectivity, and public complaints regarding high airfares.
Officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Privatisation Commission, and the Aviation Division briefed lawmakers on the legal and procedural requirements for PIA’s privatization.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar and Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali informed the committee that the repeal bill was necessary to facilitate the privatization process.
The committee also examined plans for expanding regional air connectivity, particularly to northern destinations such as Gilgit, Skardu, and Chitral, through proposed wet lease aircraft operations.
During the discussion, defence officials raised concerns regarding the use of foreign aircraft and foreign pilots, stressing the need for stringent safety oversight, maintenance monitoring, and regulatory compliance. The Secretary Defence highlighted the operational challenges of flying to mountainous destinations, describing Gilgit and Chitral among the most demanding airstrips in the world.
He noted that pilots require extensive route-specific training due to difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, adding that local operational experience remains critical for safe flight operations in northern Pakistan.
Committee members emphasized the importance of balancing investment opportunities with passenger safety. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan called for facilitating both local and foreign investors, arguing that improved air services are essential for tourism and connectivity in remote regions.
An aviation adviser representing South Air defended the wet lease proposal, stating that the aircraft and crews under consideration meet internationally recognized aviation standards and that substantial investment has already been made in the project.
Senators also expressed concern over high airfares on routes to Quetta and other underserved regions. Members stressed the need for stronger fare regulation, increased competition, and improved consumer protection to ensure affordable air travel.
Following extensive deliberations, Chairman Committee Senator Talha Mahmood directed relevant authorities to facilitate approval for operations on 11 destinations while ensuring that pilots operating flights to Gilgit, Skardu, and Chitral receive specialized training from PIA.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to promoting investment in the aviation sector while maintaining strict safety standards, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection measures.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Senator Syedal Khan, Senator Umer Farooq, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Senator Anwar-ul-Haq, Senator Musadik Malik, Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Aviation Division, and other relevant departments.
