There exists an annual market of almost 13.5 million ethnic Pakistani origin revenue passengers on domestic and international routes to fill a fleet of over 50 Long Range and Medium Range aircraft. PIA’s downslide started when AM Nur Khan resigned because of interference in procurement, appointments, foreign postings and lease/induction of aircraft. Both Saigol and Nur Khan were appointed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and given a free hand with no political interference. Nur Khan appointed and recruited the best qualified persons with experience in commercial aviation who made PIA a profitable entity. The present management has plans to restart routes that were abruptly closed by the previous management to benefit airlines based in Gulf.

Source: The Express Tribune January 21, 2019 04:06 UTC