By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly criticized the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), calling it a national shame. Speaking at a press conference at the JI Karachi headquarters, Rehman said PIA, once a source of pride and a strategic asset, should never have been sold after decades of government mismanagement.
He argued that PIA had generated profits and supported international airlines, but successive governments and officials mismanaged it through fake appointments and corruption. He pointed out that the airline made a profit of Rs10 billion from January to June after splitting its losses into PIA Holdings. Rehman questioned why the entire national carrier was sold for roughly the price of a secondhand Airbus 320.
Rehman added that PIA’s global assets, including 78 landing rights in Europe, and its goodwill far exceeded the privatization price. He also questioned the status of the Fauji Foundation, asking whether it is a private entity, a public limited company, or a state institution. He noted that state-owned assets were effectively handed from one government entity to another.
On international issues, he condemned Israel for violating the ceasefire 62 times in 72 days. He expressed concern over a potential international force disarming Hamas in Gaza and criticized any alignment of Pakistan’s armed forces against Palestinian freedom fighters, urging clarification of their position. He also condemned attacks on Christians in India and Israel during the Christmas period.
Turning to local matters, Rehman demanded better law and order in Sindh’s riverine areas. He highlighted Karachi’s deteriorating infrastructure and rising crime, including killings, extortion, and abductions. He called on authorities to ensure public safety and accountability, while criticizing governance failures that have burdened the city’s citizens.
