Khawaja Saad Rafique, the Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation, emphasized the urgent need for privatization to address the financial challenges faced by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). According to him, PIA’s deficit has ballooned to a staggering 742 billion. To salvage the airline, he asserted that privatization is the only viable solution.
During his 15-month tenure, Khawaja Saad Rafique and his team introduced significant reforms in the aviation and railway sectors. He mentioned the successful completion of the ML-1 project and stressed that for the institution’s survival, it must be taken to the private sector. Plans to run PIA under private partnership with external investments are already underway.
Without directly naming the previous government, Khawaja Saad Rafique hinted at their responsibility for an estimated 80 billion loss incurred by PIA. To improve airport services, he proposed outsourcing, believing that this would enhance their overall quality. The financial constraints are such that the government is unable to afford aircraft leases, leading to a decline in airport standards.
The ML-1 project, seen as the future of railways, was discussed during a meeting with the Chinese President, and a contract is expected to be established. Khawaja Saad Rafique remains committed to implementing crucial reforms to revitalize both the aviation and railway sectors in Pakistan.
