PIA introduces strategic business plans to revamp the national carrier
With a change in management and improved flight timings, PIA is on its way to improving customer experience.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is well on its way to improve operations with a new management team on-board.
The airline has lately been ensuring regular, on-time flying, expansion to newer networks, and reopening of old routes.
Consumers have been appreciating the airline's revamp. Here's a look at some feedback PIA has been getting online:
Taking this wave of change forward, PIA has hired a new Chief Financial Officer, Mr Khalilullah Sheikh.
Following a rigorous and strenuous recruitment process, Mr Sheikh will be joining the PIA family to further improve the organisation's financial management.
His recruitment is also a part of PIA’s broad and strategic business plan to revive the airline.
Mr Sheikh brings with him an extensive experience in finance, more importantly financial change management, with proven record of contributing towards the turning of organisations to customer-centric and profitable entities.
PIA feels the young professional will be a much needed addition to its team, and is proof of the government’s commitment to improving the airline.
Under the leadership of CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik, PIA now feels confident that the airline is shifting gears to a faster flight.
Recent positive changes in PIA include expansion in networks, improved flight timings, greater hospitality and care by the airline's staff, increased cargo load factor, improved engineering services, an online passenger service system, leaner structure, and greater transparency and accountability in operations.
Other works in the pipeline include additions to the fleet and further improving the in-flight experience.
This content is a paid advertisement by PIA and is not associated with or necessarily reflective with the views of Dawn.com or its editorial staff.
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Comments (79) Closed
May 24, 2019 05:27pm
Keep climbing.
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May 24, 2019 06:11pm
Seems progress is coming. Keep it up PIA
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May 24, 2019 06:12pm
Traveled thrice from Toronto to Pakistan in last 5 months.. exceptional service from crew! Best and smooth takeoff and landings. PIA keep it up. Pakistan Zindabad.
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May 24, 2019 06:12pm
Wish if it really happen.
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May 24, 2019 06:29pm
Pakistan International Airlines without PPP and PML political meddling of the past 10 years which had all but destroyed the national flag carrier, can again regain its past glory and become "Great People To Fly With". PIA can not buy aircraft at this time, therefore it must lease them. eg. Boeing 787 Dreamliner which has 30% fuel saving with amazing passenger comfort. Even Bangladesh Airline has leased four 787 Dreamliners. British Airways is returning to Pakistan flying 787 Dreamliners, that will take away PIA passengers unless PIA can provide Dreamliners of its own.
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May 24, 2019 06:31pm
One area I did not read about, which is the most important one after the financial part, leadership and gaining routes, it’s the quality of people representing PIA, forget the upper level management, let’s look at the airport crew, flight crew, pilots, customer service, these are the people that make or break the airline. If you have flown on PIA, specially international, you know the quality of cabin crew was of very low and uneducated level, getting jobs because their mamoo or uncle knew someone high up.
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May 24, 2019 06:34pm
Recently took a return flight from London to Islamabad. My observations as follows:
1. Flight out was far too hot. When asked to turn temperature down by several passengers, we're told it could not be done
2. Food was appalling
3. The seats had no padding it was like sitting on a bench for 8 hours.
4. Absolutely no I flight entertainment
5. Not enough pillows
6. No distraction for children, e. g colouring books etc.
7. The attititude of on board staff has vastly improved so despite all the shortfalls this is a positive.
My conclusion is that unless PIA improve the customer experience, the ISB to London route will be cleaned up by British Airways in June
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May 24, 2019 06:37pm
Advertisement content can be and is far from reality. You have to walk the talk. But PIA fsils. Flew last week from Islamabad to London and the entertainment system not working. As a matter of fact has not worked for years. Emails don't get answerd. PIA should improve customer services.Flight departure and arrival punchality is because like all airlines add half an hour to actual flying time.
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May 24, 2019 06:42pm
AT least something more positive is now happening in PIA; I being an ex engineer can appreciate these changes for the better; May Allah grant the people at the helm of affairs of PIA still look towards the sky, where sky is the limit. Dr Wequar;
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May 24, 2019 06:59pm
I wish the new management all the best to return PIA to its former glory days. Many SE Asian and Middle East airlines owe their success to training & technical assistance they received from PIA.
Sadly PIA has been literally run to the ground because of the incompetent politicians meddling in its affairs (one of them set up his own airline so he had a vested interest to (almost) bankrupt the national carrier).
Needless to say, staff to plane ratio needs to improve considerably as well as removal of all ‘political appointees”. Only then can they start making some savings and look at investing in new more efficient planes.
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May 24, 2019 07:02pm
Another thing, Hire a foreign CEO or someone from a successful career, just like Emirates did. Change upper management completely is the only fix.
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May 24, 2019 07:09pm
The best comparison is flying via Gulf, Qatar or Emirates and returning on PIA. There is A LOT to be done.
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May 24, 2019 07:10pm
A lot of improvement has been noticed already. And we know it was a mammoth tusk. There will be always Mushahidullah Khan type senators, hurdle maker, who will try to undo them. Because nonfunctional institutes are beneficial for them. Keep it up PIA. Hopefully next one will be Pakistan steel mills.
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May 24, 2019 07:28pm
Keep corruptionout of PIA
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May 24, 2019 07:30pm
Run the airline like a commercial business and that includes, competitive fair, in-flight customer service, the plane itself makes a lot of difference too. The utmost thing is efficiency and financial stability.
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May 24, 2019 07:30pm
Direct flight from USA to Karachi is the need of the hour.
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May 24, 2019 07:50pm
ALL PIA staff should be aware that the harder they work, the more pride they can take from being part of PIA. If we run PIA HONESTLY, we can reach GREAT SUCCESS with a huge population of 220 Million.
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May 24, 2019 07:50pm
Yes I can see some change for example. Recently I see that there is work being done on code sharing. I was on AirCanada.com and selected Karachi as destination. It routed me from YYZ to LHR and LHR to KHI on PIA bound flight. The price was competitive. I was happy to see this. I remember as a kid travelling from Karachi to New York and London and other destinations and the service used to be good - at least what I remember.
I will pray to Allah that PIA becomes a great airline once again. And Pakistan becomes great once again!
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May 24, 2019 08:50pm
Told my kids that we will be taking pia to Londom and they are not pleased, no entertainment for 8 hours is difficult but every little helps in these asking roles for nation . BA allowance is only one piece , we just need better planes I guess .
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May 24, 2019 08:57pm
@khan,
BA does , PIA doesn't. PIA flight times fROM uk are the fastest. BA will be an hour slower
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May 24, 2019 09:04pm
PIA is a loosing business proposition. You cannot make a organization profitable without making structural changes. Increase revenue and cut costs. Ok, new management may increase revenue in the short term, but costs remain high. This has been the PIA that I know.
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May 24, 2019 09:34pm
Read carefully the footer. It's a paid advertisement by PIA.
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May 24, 2019 09:35pm
Rebranding needed once the basics are improved. Relaunch with the Makhor Livery !!
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May 24, 2019 09:35pm
Very pleased to read this news. As a overseas Pakistani I always wanted to travel via National Airline.
While expanding, I hope they will include route to Germany soon.
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May 24, 2019 11:30pm
We sincerely hope so. Credit goes to the new management.
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May 25, 2019 12:10am
I dunno how Air India is doing. Never flown with them ...lol
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May 25, 2019 01:31am
We need to change our thinking as nation. We must own our assets and own our own national products .we can fly to any destination in any way but why not in a national way and slowly transform it in to national tradition. Lets start prioritise our personal interests by keeping the national interests on top.
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May 25, 2019 01:32am
@Akhtar London, yes but it must be painted in paki colour.
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May 25, 2019 02:45am
@Khan, They only fly to Toronto once a week. I would use them if they had more flights.
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May 25, 2019 03:11am
Hire professional managers. English CEO. They know how to run an organisation. No meddling from bureaucrats and ministers. Answerable only to stockholders,board of directors and Prime minister. Take the example of Emirates and other Middle Eastern airlines. All run by English management.
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May 25, 2019 06:03am
PIA do you know what is customer experience? Lol
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May 25, 2019 07:00am
@Ali, PML N made the economy better but PTI is just about negativity
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May 25, 2019 07:22am
- Welcome move.
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May 25, 2019 07:27am
cut costs ,by improving plane to staff ratio .remove all politically appointed staff.provide decent onboard entertainment on long haul flights.this will make PIA more competitive with other airlines in the region.
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May 25, 2019 09:23am
@LAHORI KID, If you plan to change the perception of PIA, if you really want to bring change to this sinking ship, bring the change from the bottom up, once you have reorganized the top tier of the organization, you must change the mentality and standards too, changing the cover of the book does not change what’s inside, that means bringing in self motivated personal, educated, result oriented, difference makers, Not the ones with sefarish
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May 25, 2019 11:00am
Great margin to perform.
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May 25, 2019 12:04pm
@Khalid iqbal ,
"Direct flight from USA to Karachi is the need of the hour."
No such need. Personal requests not accepted.
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May 25, 2019 12:43pm
@hanifsmile, They actually hired German Bernd Hildenbrandt from Lufthansa, but it did not change anything instead it ended up in the sale of a Boeing to a German Museum.
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May 25, 2019 12:44pm
@Ijaz , “My conclusion is that unless PIA improve the customer experience, the ISB to London route will be cleaned up by British Airways in June”
True. But it is also true that British Airways will cease operations the same day as an explosion occurs at airport. PIA will keep transporting you regardless.
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May 25, 2019 12:44pm
I travelled on PIA a few months ago and had a great experience. Definitely an improvement!
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May 25, 2019 01:03pm
It is all marketing to keep getting government subsidy; it will never be profitable as a business since it is run by management which never has experience running airline business for profit.
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May 25, 2019 01:09pm
Fascinating - a paid info-ad....
I wonder why the Government is even involved in the airline business.
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May 25, 2019 01:41pm
PIA Is one of the best carrier mostly travel by PIA to MU Mumbai but unfortunately because of the countries problem I had to take other airlines. But crew members are excellent take off and landing very smooth even transit facility providing with breakfast is excellent.
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May 25, 2019 02:22pm
Karachi Guangzhou route is monopoly for Air China and Thai airways and there is too much passenger traffic and fares too high, I fail to understand why such lucrative route is not cashed by PIA
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May 25, 2019 02:59pm
Once a top airline of the world and now were it was due to political interferences from previous regions. Corrupted management, but hope the days gone and better improvement a head. PIA can still on top if management and staff seriously do there job properly, they have well experience staff which can compete with any airline of the world. hope to see old good days again. Good luck and keep up the good work.
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May 25, 2019 03:17pm
Increase Dubai Karachi flights.
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May 25, 2019 03:20pm
Hire all top departmental heads from reputable carriers preferably from europian airlines they would earn you lot with strict disciplined manner and zero corruption.
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May 25, 2019 04:15pm
@Ijaz , you must not be traveling by PIA rather your hate filled brain against the airline. I traveled recently from Manchester to Islamabad. You will not believe the uncivilized women with obnoxious children making noise and men down right disrespectful towards other passengers and cabin crew. I admire the captain and the cabin crew's professionalism in handling such idiots. those passengers would have been disembarked by British Airways, American Airline and other European airlines. Plane was decent looking inside and seats were very comfortable. I can not drink coffee the crew gave me a nice cup of tea and I am very thankful for their kindness. PIA ZINDABAD ALWAYS AND FOREVER.
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May 25, 2019 04:44pm
Ending political meddling will only save PIA.
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May 25, 2019 04:59pm
On long haul flights, providing entertainment for everyone including the children on board is minimum requirement. It has been missing from PIA fleet for ages. Even Business class seats need total refurbishment and flat bed seats like all other competing airlines. Till then, it has no chance of success, no matter who is in charge. 787 Dreamliner is always going to walk all over a clapped out 777. I shudder to think that when BA starts flying to Lahore, it is game over for PIA.
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May 25, 2019 05:27pm
For the overall success of the PIA, one needs an "online accountability" for everybody concerned.
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May 25, 2019 05:33pm
It is sponsored content. Do not get too enthusiastic
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May 25, 2019 05:43pm
A step in the right direction ..... but losses must also reduce because it's a drain on the economy.
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May 25, 2019 05:46pm
Easy solution privatize, cut employees, hire talent across the board.
We know how majority of employees got there where they are Today.
Any job based on quota is done based on minimal qualifications of that job and when we’re talking Pakistan than adding sifarish topping is not even a question other than merit based within quota system of ours is minuscule, which is what any government will always try to place him or her no matter what so they don’t look the rest of 98% qualifiers.
Think to yourself and comment if anyone you know ever said that he got in, I’m saying any high or level job, that I got in only because I had minimal qualifications of that job and based on quota I was the only qualified in that village with intermediate education and since my father had money to train me as a pilot with commercial license: therefore, there is no other choices but me the best talented person on the job from that region of the country.
By the way, some skill is not a talent, it’s hard work
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May 25, 2019 06:06pm
Pia is on mend.
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May 25, 2019 06:26pm
How well does the strategic business plan translates into reduction in losses is still to be seen. Restoring IFE and general aircraft appearance will only attract passengers to PIA. With introduction of BA services, tougher days ahead for PIA. Long on rhetorics and short on performance is the hallmark of PIA. Example PIA media blitz of V1/V2 takeoff by Cyan Rasool is fresh in peoples memory.
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May 25, 2019 06:35pm
Recently a family friend travelled to Karachi and highly praised the care and service if PIA Staff. This family in the past always spoke against PIA and it’s staff there seems to be lot of improvement which convinced and it’s very nice to know. Credit goes to Imran Khan who turned things around
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May 25, 2019 06:37pm
"A Great people fly with PIA " , this is what glorious period/time want to see again people of Pakistan but soon....
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May 25, 2019 06:47pm
If wishes were horses----!!!!
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May 25, 2019 07:31pm
Good changes, keep it up and keep politicians out of PIA. Planning to use PIA from Toronto to Karachi.
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May 25, 2019 07:49pm
The article is far from truth. My flight from London to Karachi on 29 May was cancelled due to insufficient load and i had to struggle to get another flight via Islamabad. Do you call it restructuring. It is shame on International route. I have always travelled by PIA having lived overseas for 30 years. Time has come to review my nationalisn supporting PIA
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May 25, 2019 08:12pm
Eliminate over employment.
Make it profitable like a business. Privitize it.
Do not show deficit in billions?
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May 25, 2019 08:43pm
Don’t believe a word that is said here. I recently tried to book a flight online from London to Islamabad. Had the worst experience of my life. Their system broke down, it took payment from my card but wouldn’t issue the ticket. I had contacted PIA by every means possible but never got any satisfactory response. I sent emails, made phone calls, left messages but not a single person managed to get back to me. I had to book an alternative flight and I will never travel with them again.
New fleet, new routes, new management team wouldn’t make any difference. What will make a difference is the customer service, something that can be put in place to resolve any issues with the customers.
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May 25, 2019 08:50pm
PIA should also pay attention to staff who travel free all the time. Sometimes off loading passengers. Please also pay attention to corrupt employees who draw salaries and live in other country. Please revive the airline and I shall start traveling again. Thanks
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May 25, 2019 09:14pm
The chairman needs to know the real fact behind loss of customers. Top of the agenda for every traveller is security of their lives and with PIA, people are not sure about the qualities of their machines and the maintenance standards.
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May 25, 2019 09:15pm
PPP and PML-N has ruined PIA. Fire all political hires, they are useless
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May 25, 2019 09:42pm
Great effect of PMIK. Thank you, Sir.
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May 25, 2019 09:44pm
Good great job, first remove all goons and ghost employs
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May 25, 2019 09:50pm
I suggest if PIA manage Umra and haj in Good manner They can earn much more,
They need to adjust middle east where maximum Pakistani's are working. The maximum staff cooperation and good services on time ,
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May 25, 2019 10:11pm
I can’t wait to fly PIA again. Consistency is the key.
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May 25, 2019 10:46pm
@Altaf (UK), yes, PML-N Shahid Khala’s Abbasi is who you are talking about.
Please name the political leaders when their corruption needs to be exposed.
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May 25, 2019 10:53pm
This is an advertisement disguised as news. Just like everything in Pakistan, more propaganda, less truth.
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May 25, 2019 11:08pm
hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
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May 25, 2019 11:34pm
PIA needs structural changes and not paid advertisements
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May 25, 2019 11:37pm
If it is true that has been mentioned in the advertisement then we should expect great changes and uplift of the national carrier. Pakistan Air force Zindabad. Air Marshal Malik is doing wonderful job. Hopefully, PIA will bring back the laurel to the nation under the leadership of Imran Khan.
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May 25, 2019 11:42pm
The claim is far from truth. My flight leaving London Heathrow on 29th May for Karachi was cancelled because there was not enough load and I am booked on another flight via Islamabad adding 8 hours additional travel time without any compensation or even offering regret.
Does this happen in any International airline. At least I have not known.
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May 26, 2019 12:04am
As long as it remains under government control one cannot expect long term steady growth and improvement because of changing vested interests in different governments.
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May 26, 2019 12:08am
@wequar ali khan, I don't see or hear of leading International airlines invoking the Almighty to achieve better performance. I am just as much normal God fearing as the next person, though not overly orthodox, but I am confident that my God is happy with what I am, and that I am not laying all my problems at His door, while I am doing nothing bout it myself. Remember, God helps those that help themselves. Pakistanis are famous for 'passing the buck', and looking for miracle cures to their problems,( which most times, are of their own creation) while doing nothing about it themselves! Come on people! change your attitude, and you will see, I guarantee you, a change in your fortunes.!!
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May 27, 2019 09:58pm
This is the pivotal change in Country's pride fleet to higher professional people in finance and marketing departments which will give better results in future.
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