RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Inter­national Airlines (PIA) and Askari Bank Limited have launched Co-Brand Credit Card through which both organisations will offer their services for the benefit of a large number of customers in Pakistan.

A press release issued by the PIA said that Askari Bank and the PIA, being two market leaders in their respective industries, have long been associated with Pakistan’s national identity and it was only natural that they would join forces to create a unique value for their consumers.

Hence, the product has been designed keeping in mind safety and security in transaction combined with ease in travel. The unveiled cards, in three tiers, Silver, Gold and Platinum, have been loaded with some amazing features, including complimentary PIA loyalty programme membership, discounts on PIA tickets, local & international lounge access, accelerated mile earning compared with normal credit cards, priority check-in, generous startup points and much more.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of Askari-PIA Co-Brand Credit Card held in Islamabad on Friday, PIA Chief Executive Officer Arshad Malik said that the card would be a true representation of a Pakistani brand. “This card is designed keeping in view this important but neglected segment.

“It is with great deliberation, research and the right intentions that we have developed a product that will reward its users greatly by paying them back for their loyalty and trust in our brand.”

He said that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had acknowledged that the PIA had done its part but the final verdict was subject to final audit. “Only remaining issue is pilot licensing,” he said.

He further said that the PIA management would change the face of the airline in upcoming years despite all challenges.

The CEO said that the PIA was suffering because of pilot licensing issues and safety concerns.

Speaking on the occasion, Askari Bank President Abid Sattar said that “Askari Bank is one of the country’s leading credit card issuers and PIA is the country’s national airlines with a truly remarkable history and a promising future”.

He said: “We’re truly honoured to be associated with our national carrier. This is the first all Pakistani Card where both co-brand partners are locally based. We see great potential in this partnership and we hope that this will prove to be beneficial for our Pakistani consumers.”

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2020