ISLAMABAD: The Senate Defence Committee on Wednesday held a detailed review of a proposed legislative amendment seeking to repeal the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Act, 2016. Chaired by Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, the committee was informed that only Section 7(a) of the original Act would be retained.
Senator Farooq Naek and Senator Mandviwalla scrutinised the rationale behind the move. The committee members expressed reservations about the completeness of the proposed repeal ordinance, highlighting the need for a comprehensive valid legal framework and insisting that any new legislation must provide concrete guarantees to protect the rights and jobs of the existing employees.
The committee firmly directed that all relevant documents must be submitted for a thorough review in the next meeting, explicitly stating that the authorities must not rush the passage of this bill and strongly condemning any proposals for shifting the PIA headquarters. The committee re-affirmed its commitment to supporting government reforms but made it clear that employee welfare remains the absolute top priority.
Further demonstrating its focus on enhancing accessibility and competition, the committee received a briefing from South Air regarding a new feasibility plan. Meeting records shows that this private airline has entered into a mutual understanding with the government to commence flights in the southern regions of Pakistan, including flights to Gilgit and from Chitral.
The committee welcomed this development, emphasizing that increased competition among multiple companies will promote a more business-friendly environment in Pakistan.
