ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched a new direct flight service connecting Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, to Sialkot. It will cater to the travel needs of thousands of passengers.
According to PIA officials, nearly 200,000 people travel each year from Riyadh to different cities across Pakistan. The new route is designed to offer the passengers greater convenience, enabling direct travel and strengthening air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
This development comes shortly after PIA announced a special flight operation for Arbaeen pilgrims traveling to Najaf, Iraq. The initiative follows the government’s ban on road travel to Iran and Iraq.
A PIA spokesperson said the special flights began on August 8 and will run until August 11, with return flights scheduled between August 18 and 23.
The national carrier has also offered special discounted fares for the pilgrimage, setting the ticket price at $675.
Privatization of PIA and other State-owned entities approved
Meanwhile, the federal government has decided to privatize 24 state-owned enterprises in three phases, starting with PIA and the Roosevelt Hotel. The government unveiled today the privatisation roadmap targeting 24 state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with the first phase focusing on 10 key institutions within the next 12 months.
The details were shared in a written response submitted to the National Assembly, outlining a comprehensive timeline for privatisation:
Phase 1: Within 1 Year
Privatisation of 10 entities, including:
- PIA
- Roosevelt Hotel (USA)
- Agricultural Development Bank
- Three electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), including Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)
Phase 2: Within 1–3 Years
Privatisation of 13 additional SOEs, including:
- Postal Life Insurance Company
The Privatization Commission will supervise the process in coordination with relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.
Speaker Criticises Government Ministries Over Lack of Accountability
During the parliamentary session, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed strong disapproval over the continued absence and lack of responses from the Ministry of Planning and the Ministry of Finance.
“This Parliament is not to be taken lightly,” said Speaker Sadiq, warning that if necessary, he would summon the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan.
