APROPOS the editorial ‘Privatisation considerations’(Dec 9). The opposition is miffed at the government’s passing an ordinance to replace the PIA Act of 1962 to prepare the national airline for privatisation. The objection is that parliament is being bypassed in an important matter by making changes in the legislative act.

The opposition must ensure that its objections are not confined only to the technicalities of the privatisation process; they must see to it that public interest is not compromised.

In PIA’s case, it should be ensured that the new management is bound to continue flights to non-profitable destinations. The deal should not be allowed to go the way of the privatisation of power utilities, which at times provides electricity to upscale and posh localities at the expense of poor neighborhoods.

Akbar Jan Marwat

Islamabad

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WE are witnessing how our national assets are being planned for sale at throwaway prices. Two major examples are PIA and Pakistan Steel Mills.

PML-N rulers run their own family business in the field of steel, why can’t they use their expertise to run the PS to make it operational and profitable? It is sad. Also, why cannot PIA be run successfully as it had been run for a long time as one of the leading airlines in the world?

If this trend continues, why not sell the most luxurious PM House, President House in Islamabad and Governor Houses in the provinces? This can fetch trillions of dollars to the exchequer. The prime minister can move to a more austere accommodation.

Riaz Zaidi

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2015