The Senate Standing Committee on Aviation met on Monday to discuss the restructuring of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) using the Air India model. The committee session took place at the Parliament House, with senior officials from the Ministry of Aviation providing updates on various agenda items to the committee members.
The meeting covered topics such as the bidding process for Allama Iqbal International Airport, remittances related to ticket sales, action against individuals appointed in PIA with fake degrees, consolidation of security agency counters at different airports, and the distance between the Islamabad Airport building and the parking lot.
Regarding the bidding process for Allama Iqbal International Airport, it was revealed that the selected bidder, M/s Sinohydro, is seeking to withdraw from the contract without meeting the initial requirements. The committee suggested calling the contractor for further review in the next meeting.
Furthermore, the committee addressed the issue of remittances from ticket sales not being permitted to be remitted in foreign exchange. It was noted that foreign airlines are not obligated to share their financial statements, including any outstanding remittances, with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
