ISLAMABAD, Feb 7: Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal has directed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to improve its performance and make it a profitable organisation.

In this connection a meeting was held at the defence ministry which reviewed the performance of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and PIA.

The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal and Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Maj (retired) Tanveer Hussain Syed here on Wednesday.

The PIA management briefed the meeting about the performance and future goals of the airline. The minister asked PIA management that their existed tremendous scope for improvement in the organisation and steps needed to be taken to make it more efficient and competitive.

The valour and bravery shown by the Airport Security Force (ASF) in foiling the terrorist attack at Islamabad airport also came under discussion at the meeting.

It lauded the professionalism, intelligence and commendable job done by the ASF personnel.

The minister said the entire nation was proud of this act of bravery which would always be remembered. He said steps were underway to further equip and strengthen ASF so as to cope with security threats.