If the federal cabinet decides to give a few more billion rupees to bail out PIA, as it has given to Railways, without any change of guards, it will be like pushing the deer into the lions den, or handing over lambs to wolves. The present cronies of PPP have destroyed this airline, pilfered revenues through kickbacks and rampant corruption. The airline which once took pride in its regularity and reliability has in the last two years been degenerated into being nicknamed as “Perhaps I Arrive”. Its maintenance expense has hiked by over Rs 13 billion, in spite of induction of brand new fleet of nine Boeing 777s and 5 ATRs, because of controversial Maintenance Repair Overhaul contracts outsourcing.
Merit and integrity is the least of priorities for appointments, foreign postings and promotions. It is a top heavy management monopolised by mediocrity, with an MD who has never had any college education, but has a history of financial cum administrative irregularities to his credit. Losses have risen by over 110% during the tenure of this management, while liabilities and short term borrowings have crossed all limits, making the organisation technically insolvent.
Yet the government in its wisdom wants to waste more of the tax-payers money, with a management that has already contributed to its bankruptcy through mismanagement and financial indiscipline. It is shocking that members of opposition in NA or Senate are silent on this issue where a vital national asset has been systematically looted and destroyed. Unfortunately nothing happens until the Supreme Court of Pakistan intervenes.
RASHID ORAKZAI
Quetta