LONDON: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will begin accepting bids for its privatization from October 1, 2024.
Ishaq Dar made this announcement during a speech to the Pakistani community in London, where he also highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Dar emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership with the UK and commended the Pakistani diaspora for strengthening these ties. He discussed ongoing efforts to restore PIA’s flights to Europe, noting that the government is working to meet the standards set by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority to resume operations.
Addressing the issue of PIA’s grounding in Europe, Dar attributed the disruption to irresponsible remarks by a former PTI minister. He assured the community that the government is focused on not only privatizing PIA but also improving efficiency at Islamabad International Airport through outsourcing.
Dar also extended an invitation to David Lims, a senior British official, to visit Pakistan, which Lims has reportedly accepted. This visit is expected to further bolster Pakistan-UK relations.
In his speech, Dar praised the contributions of the 1.7 million Pakistani residents in the UK, calling them a vital link in the historic relationship between the two countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to addressing global issues such as Gaza, Kashmir, and Islamophobia, and highlighted Pakistan’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Dar criticized the economic management of the previous PTI government, reflecting on the significant recovery achieved during the PML-N government’s tenure from 2013 to 2017. He noted that, despite the economic challenges faced in 2018 and beyond, the PML-N administration had made substantial progress in addressing issues like extremism, economic instability, and electricity shortages.
In conclusion, Dar reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic standing while ensuring the well-being of overseas Pakistanis.
