RAWALPINDI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) parliamentary leader in the Senate, Sherry Rehman on Monday criticised the federal government’s decision to auction Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)’s Ispahani hangar in Karachi.

Ms Rehman said in a press release that the hangar was established in the 70s but the government has now planned to quietly auction it. The hangar not only caters to PIA aircraft but also provides facilities to foreign airlines to generate revenues.

“Does the government not realise that due to this decision, now the airlines would have to pay crores for the maintenance and repair of their aircraft? First, it was the Roosevelt Hotel and now Ispahani hangar, this government is on an asset stripping mission,” she added.

She questioned: “Is there anyone who can take responsibility for what’s being done to our institutions? From Islamabad to Karachi, our state institutions are being sold and privatised.

This is only being done to award cronies.”

“So much for promising to create jobs and opportunities, the only thing this government has done is to take away opportunities. Instead of giving relief in the pandemic, they are making things difficult for people,” she said.

“This government is responsible for the downfall of our national flag carrier. From the pilots’ controversy to sacking employees, PIA is being grounded on purpose. The decision to auction this hangar will not only affect PIA but also the labour working there.”

Ms Rehman added: “Ispahani Hangar has been functional for more than three decades and is the backbone of our airlines. We reject the government’s decision and will not let this loot sale take place.”

Responding to Ms Rehman’s statement, PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez said in all commercial entities, assets are assessed in terms of audits and accounts every now and then.

He said that PIA had been estimating all assets for its balance sheet restructuring.

He said Ispahani Hangar is one of the major assets of PIA which will be entered in the balance sheet after accurate estimates.

“PIA is not auctioning off any of its assets. Operational, administrative and financial reforms are being introduced within the PIA.” the spokesman said.

PIA purser honoured

The spokesman said a senior purser of the PIA, Tawheed Daudpota, has been honoured by the United Nations after a picture of him entertaining an infant during a flight went viral on social media.

He said Tawheed Daudpota has been awarded the ‘Humanitarian Sympathy and Equality Award’ by the UN Women Agency.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2021