ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has directed that a comprehensive plan for restructuring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) be quickly presented to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). During a high-level meeting focused on PIA’s restructuring, the prime minister emphasized the importance of enhancing air connectivity for rural areas with other cities in the country.
The prime minister further instructed that PIA should tailor its flight schedules to suit the convenience of passengers. He highlighted that PIA had previously been recognized as one of the world’s top airlines. He emphasized its significant role as a national institution with a history of providing excellent aviation services. Kakar underscored its role in building a positive global reputation.
Kakar urged the PIA management and the aviation division to work tirelessly to restore the airline to its former stature. He noted that recent amendments to the PIA Act 2016 had made the restructuring of PIA feasible.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the acting finance minister, PM Advisor Ahad Cheema, and other officials attended the meeting. It’s worth noting that the previous government included Pakistan International Airlines in the privatization program. Additionally, the Privatization Division presented an update on the privatization of the Roosevelt Hotel. The Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP) has approved the hiring of a financial adviser to facilitate the transaction of the Roosevelt Hotel. This hotel is an asset of PIA Investment Limited (PIA-IL).
CAA Starts Work On Installing E-Gates At Airports
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has made the decision to install Electronic gates (E-gates) at airports across Pakistan. The implementation of E-gates will initially commence with a phase in the three major international airports. The three airports would be Islamabad, Allama Iqbal, and Jinnah International Airport.
The Aviation Secretary and the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority (DGCAA) will oversee this project. Various national institutions, including the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) passports, and FIA immigration, have provided suggestions and input in relation to the E-gate project.
After the board’s approval, the E-gate project will solicit tenders. The installation of E-gates aims to streamline the travel experience for passengers by eliminating the need to wait in queues for boarding passes. Travelers can obtain their boarding cards through the E-gate by scanning their passports and tickets.
