How not to privatise

In the inimitable PML-N style

There have been protests, a complete shutdown of the national carrier, even three deaths, yet the situation isn’t any clearer than it was the first day. It is not even known for certain what the government’s real policy is. Is it moving towards privatisation proper, as promised to the Fund, or is it just interested in a stitch-up job for the moment; a restructuring that may or may not leave it open for sale at a later date? Still, there is little definitive in terms of a way out of the current paralysis.

One smart idea being floated is shutting down PIA altogether and erecting a new carrier in its place. But that, too, leaves the most important questions unanswered. What of the mountain of liabilities as they stand? And what guarantee that the successor airline would not be handled in similar fashion? Also, if the government has suddenly decided to do away with irritants appointees, then why not settle the staffing problem – and rein in losses – before embarking such adventures? Had successive government not stuffed PSEs with thousands of ‘political appointees’, they would not be haemorrhaging hundreds of billions every year.

There are more questions that PML-N must answer. What did the finance minister mean, for example, when he said nobody would be terminated in the restructuring nor would any salary package be altered? What exactly would they restructure then? And how long will the ruling party continue taking important decisions without consulting parliament or the opposition? It is this habit, more than anything, that has turned the PIA problem into a full blown political torrent. Whatever course the government now takes will be in reaction and bound to cause further controversy.