Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad says, “The government has decided not to lay off a single employee of Pakistan International Airlines during the privatization of 26 percent shares.” He was replying to a call attention notice moved by several members of the National Assembly in the House Tuesday regarding steps being taken by the government to sell shares of PIA. The minister of state said, “Around 19400 people working in PIA hold 12 percent share of the airline. He said government will keep the management of the airline as 62 percent shares will remain with government.” He added only 26 percent shares will be floated in the market for non-core services. He told that final decision in this regard is yet to be taken. The Minister of State said the aim behind the privatization of non-core services is to make PIA a profitable entity which is in the best interest of nation and country. Five bills were introduced in the National Assembly on Tuesday. “The Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill‚ 2013” was moved by S. A. Iqbal Qadri in the House. The chair referred the bill to the standing committee concerned. S.A. Iqbal Qadri also introduced “The National Database and Registration Authority (Amendment) Bill‚ 2013”. Dr. Nafisa Shah laid before the House “The Political Parties Order (Amendment) Bill‚ 2013”. The chair also referred the bill to the standing committee concerned. “The Publication of the Holy Quran (Elimination of Printing and Recording Errors) (Amendment) Bill‚ 2013” moved by Major (Retd) Tahir Iqbal was laid before the House. Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho introduced “The HIV/AIDs (Safety and Control) Bill‚ 2013” in the House.
