THIS refers to the prime minister’s statement that PIA must be privatised. While it is correct that it is not the business of the state to do business, it remains its responsibility to ensure that rights of consumers are not compromised on the altar of greed and profits.

In the developed world, the state maintains strict regulatory controls with penalties on private airlines by independent agencies to ensure that they comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation’s safety regulations.

These airlines must also have financial capacity through insurance to pay compensation in case of fatal air crashes. The track record of private Pakistani airlines such as Bhoja, Shaheen Air and Airblue, etc, is poor. Even after passage of years some airlines have yet to pay compensation to the next of kin.

The problem with PIA is political interference in the choice of management, aircraft lease, the procurement of essential aircraft spares, and appointment of general sales agent.

This is the same airline which under Nur Khan flourished and expanded in terms of fleet, routes and frequency of flights. Over the decades, The CAA and PIA have become a dumping ground for retired officers and political cronies.

M. Ali

Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2017