Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed PIA’s fleet modernisation with Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson as the airline seeks new aircraft.
Aurangzeb met Nelson during his visit to New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting focused on PIA’s fleet renewal and broader cooperation in Pakistan’s aviation sector.
Aurangzeb welcomed Boeing’s plan to submit a revised proposal for new aircraft to PIA.
The two sides also explored options for earlier delivery slots and interim aircraft leasing arrangements.
The discussions covered financing support from the US Export-Import Bank, engine procurement, spare parts and aircraft maintenance.
They also discussed restoring grounded aircraft and strengthening aviation operations.
Pakistan outlines aviation reform plans
Aurangzeb briefed Boeing on PIA’s privatisation plans and the proposed outsourcing of management at major airports.
He also appreciated Boeing’s support for aviation safety, regulatory engagement and efforts to restore direct flights to the United States.
Meanwhile, Aurangzeb discussed Pakistan’s Hepatitis C elimination programme with a representative from Abbott’s Pharmaceuticals Division.
He expressed concern over slow implementation, noting that only about 100,000 of nearly three million diagnostic tests had been used.
He attributed the delays to leadership changes, weak project management and limited public awareness.
The meeting also covered DRAP’s regulatory capacity, pharmaceutical export diversification and Abbott’s oncology treatment plans.
Aurangzeb stressed the need to balance medicine affordability with commercial viability and supply continuity.
Climate finance remains key priority
Separately, Aurangzeb participated in the UN-hosted Solutions Dialogue on Climate Finance.
He highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and called for stronger disaster-response systems and early-warning mechanisms.
He also stressed the need for credible climate strategies and bankable projects.
Aurangzeb said climate resilience requires domestic macroeconomic stability and adequate fiscal and external buffers.
He urged international climate funds to complement Pakistan’s domestic resources and expressed concern over delays in operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund.
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