Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Special Senate Committee on the Performance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) reviewed the working of national flag carrier on Monday.

The committee reviewed the implementation status of the recommendations made during the last meeting. The meeting was chaired by Senator Mushahidullah Khan. A sub-committee was formed to look into PIA’s performance and report back to the committee within two months.

The sub-committee includes senators Muzaffar Hussain Shah, Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum and Farhatullah Babar. The committee members expressed annoyance over the absence of PIA’s chairman and chief executive officer and said that their privilege was breached.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Secretary Irfan Elahi briefed the committee about the launch of PIA’s premier service, its impacts so far and the terms and conditions of the lease with Sri Lanka.

The committee expressed disappointment over PIA’s performance, as it failed to achieve the revenue target of 21 per cent during the first six months of current fiscal year. The committee members were told that PIA suffered loss of Rs 14 billion last year.

The committee was also given comprehensive briefing on the performance and PIA’s Marketing Department’s strategies and new route plans. The committee members were briefed on the performance of sitting Director Flight/Airport Services, her pay and perks package and tours undertaken during the period. The committee was told that there was no plan to kick-out any PIA employee.