By Moin Ullah Shah
KARACHI: Business tycoon Arif Habib said he would make turning Pakistan International Airlines into a profitable airline his top priority, sending a clear message to staff that only those demonstrating strong performance would remain with the carrier.
Speaking to the media in Karachi on 1 January, Habib said PIA employees would be protected, noting that the airline had achieved global success because of their efforts. “Pakistan has won. We will restore PIA’s former reputation,” he added.
He emphasised that the future of employees’ jobs would depend entirely on their performance. “Those who perform will remain with PIA. The airline’s name cannot be changed under the terms of the agreement,” Habib said.
Habib highlighted the potential of the airline, pointing out that around 14 million Pakistanis lived abroad and, including their families in Pakistan, the number exceeded 70 million. He said more than 70 million Pakistanis use the airline.
He further announced that PIA would be prioritised for Hajj and Umrah travel, and that efforts would be made to ensure that Pakistanis travelling for these purposes would do so exclusively through PIA.
