Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has 16 aircraft grounded and is operating only 17 to 18 planes, officials informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Privatization.

The disclosure raised concerns among committee members about the national carrier’s operational capacity and service standards, particularly after the airline received tax relief.

Officials told the committee that PIA’s aircraft previously had an average age of 21 to 22 years. The airline has received one Boeing Dreamliner, while another is expected to arrive in January. Both aircraft are between seven and eight years old.

The committee was also informed that efforts are underway to bring grounded aircraft back into service. However, repairs are being carried out only where suitable engines are available.

PIA’s Flight Operations

Officials said PIA has resumed daily flights to London, while services to Manchester and Birmingham are expected to restart.

Flights between Karachi and London are scheduled to begin in March 2027.

The Secretary of the Privatization Commission told the committee that passengers travelling to London were being served meals and had responded positively to the biryani and pulao offered onboard.

Committee Questions PIA’s Service Quality

Committee member Sahar Kamran criticised PIA’s service standards, questioning why the airline continued to provide unsatisfactory services despite receiving tax relief.

She said private airlines were offering better services and operating flights on time, while PIA’s performance remained below expectations. She also expressed concern that the committee had not received the required report on the national carrier.

The Secretary of the Privatization Commission clarified that PIA had received a sales tax exemption only on the purchase of new aircraft. He said the airline had not received any other tax exemptions following its privatization.

Ministries Criticised Over Missing Responses

The committee also expressed concern over several ministries’ failure to respond to parliamentary questions and provide requested information.

Farooq Sattar said some ministries had submitted no replies, with their responses still marked as “awaiting response”. Sahar Kamran said documents relating to matters under discussion had been provided only on the evening before the meeting.

Kamran further criticised the state of parliamentary oversight, saying Parliament and its committees had effectively become inactive. She pointed out that the meeting lacked the required quorum and that no ruling coalition member was present.

Natasha Daultana objected to holding the meeting informally, while Sattar said members were not even participating through Zoom and that the committee could not proceed under those circumstances.