LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways and Civil Aviation, Khawaja Saad Rafique has dispelled the impression of selling out Pakistan International Airline (PIA) or any such offer to be made by anyone.

Addressing a press conference at Allama Iqbal International Airport here, Saad said that Roosevelt Hotel in New York was also not being sold and added that people should refrain from spreading such rumors.

Saad said revenue collection target of PIA was Rs 165 billion for current fiscal year but the corporation earned Rs 50 billion till now.

He said that Islamabad and Karachi airports are upgraded like that of international standard. He said that that the airports would be outsourced to ensure best facilities for the passengers.

He said that all over the world airports were upgraded on the same pattern, adding that the airports would be in ownership of the government, but international practices would be followed for bringing investment and to ensure facilities and progress.

In response to a question, he said that recommendations were being sent to federal cabinet so that certain part of Roosevelt Hotel could be reopened. He said if it would be delayed the case of this country’s expensive property would go to landmark commission.

Khawaja Saad Rafique said in future under a joint venture a high-rise building would be constructed and the country would fully benefit from it. As per initial proposal, work on its 300 to 400 rooms would be started, he added.

He further said the PIA management and its entire staff were making all out efforts to overcome financial crisis. In response to another question he said that fare of PIA is less as compared to other International Airlines .He said recently PIA had reduced the fare by 22 percent.

He said due to Covid related restrictions PIA could not directly fly to Beijing and due to which PIA operational expenses were increased.

He said as PIA would get permission for direct flight to Beijing, he hoped that ticket price would further reduce.

Speaking about Hajj operation, Saad Rafique said that this time 300 Hajj flights were conducted and 275,000 Hajj pilgrims had been provided travelling facilities. He said Hajj pilgrims were facilitated under city check in formula.

During the ‘Ashura’ flights were operated to Najaf and Damascus and efforts were being made to improve operation on these routes, he maintained.

He claimed that quarterly earnings of PIA was Rs 50 billion which was highest earning as compared to any past quarterly earnings.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022