ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence on Wednesday strongly opposed any proposal to shift the headquarters of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and directed authorities not to rush legislation aimed at repealing the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Act, 2016, stressing that the rights and jobs of existing employees must be fully protected under any future legal framework.
The committee met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood. Senators Farooq H. Naek, Saleem Mandviwala and Umer Farooq attended the meeting along with the Secretary Defence and senior officials.
The committee conducted a detailed review of proposed legislation seeking to repeal the PIA Corporation (Conversion) Act, 2016.
During the briefing, members were informed that only Section 7(a) of the original law would be retained. Senators raised concerns over the scope and completeness of the proposed repeal and questioned whether an adequate legal framework would remain in place after the changes.
Committee members expressed serious reservations regarding the potential impact of the legislation on PIA employees, emphasising that any new law must provide clear guarantees for the protection of workers’ rights, service structure and employment security. The committee directed the relevant authorities to submit all supporting documents at the next meeting for comprehensive scrutiny.
The committee also reiterated its opposition to any proposal aimed at relocating PIA headquarters and stated that employee welfare would remain its foremost concern while supporting broader reforms in the national flag carrier.
Separately, the committee received a briefing from South Air on a feasibility plan to launch flight operations in southern regions of the country, including services to Gilgit and from Chitral. Members welcomed the initiative, saying increased competition in the aviation sector could improve connectivity and create a more business-friendly environment.
The committee directed aviation authorities to ensure that smaller airports are adequately equipped to handle new operations and sought details of agreements between the airline, relevant authorities and the Privatisation Commission at the next meeting.
The issue of domestic airfares also came under discussion, particularly fares on the Quetta route. PIA officials informed the committee that the airline follows a dynamic pricing model under which fares for Quetta flights in July 2025 ranged from Rs19,700 to Rs53,095, including taxes. According to the airline, a substantial number of seats were offered at lower fare levels, while the average ticket price stood at Rs24,520.
While noting PIA’s position that flexible pricing is necessary for commercial viability, the committee stressed that affordable air travel for the public should remain a key objective and directed authorities to continue efforts to balance commercial sustainability with passenger convenience.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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