April 16, 2024 (MLN): The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) seems to be a clandestine operation where the details have been shared only with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and not with the elected labor unions, professional associations, or common employees, Former Chairman of Senate, Mian Raza Rabbani stated in a press statement.
He further alleged that Parliament is also kept in the dark regarding the privatization of the national carrier.
According to the senator, PIA falls in the Federal Legislative List, Part II, Constitution, 1973, hence under Article 154, Constitution, 1973, its policy is governed by the CCI.
Resultantly, the policy approval of its privatization should have been taken from the CCI and not the Cabinet, terming this act as unconstitutional.
He emphasized PIA's strategic importance, particularly in emergencies for defense purposes, and warned that placing it in foreign hands could compromise national defense.
In his press statement further, he raised several questions for the Federal government regarding the treatment of PIA's properties in various cities of the country, job security, and pensions of employees, especially cockpit crew and retired personnel.
He expressed his concerns that the government should rethink the privatization process and form a Parliamentary Committee to examine it.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) must give a clear line to its elected labor union in PIA, he concluded.
