THERE was a time when people at PIA were ‘Great people to fly with’. From booking a seat, check-in, in-flight service to safety and punctuality, things were simply perfect. The great Nur Khan had done it.

The catchy ‘Great people to fly with’ slogan indeed played a role.

Initially, some people thought that was a bizarre way for a big air company to indulge in self-praise.

Later it dawned on them, including me, that the ‘Great people to fly with’ catchphrase inspired and motivated the PIA team to act and serve in a manner worthy of the honour given to them by their company.

Who coined this shibboleth? The credit goes to Omar Kureshi, the great cricket lover and commentator.

He mentions this fact in his biographical sketch in Dawn’s Sunday magazine. Nur Khan had engaged a big advertisement company for its publicity.

The company invited proposals for a proper motto for the airline. Omar, too, submitted his slogan. It was selected by the ad company and approved by Nur Khan.

It is good to know that the prime minister has constituted a committee to formulate proposals and ideas for reforming PIA. Let us hope that the country’s flag carrier regains its greatness.

MUHAMMAD RAFI Karachi