More than 14 million Pakistanis live abroad and 70 million rely on the airline domestically.
Prominent businessman Arif Habib has reiterated his commitment to making Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) a profitable airline, emphasizing that employee performance will be key to job security at the national airline.
Addressing the media at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) inter-school final at Naya Nazimabad on Thursday, Habib said making PIA a profitable airline was his top priority. He recognized the importance of PIA employees, acknowledging that the airline’s past success was largely due to their efforts.
“We will provide job security to PIA employees as it is their dedication that has helped make PIA the second most successful airline in the world,” he said. However, he also clarified that employee retention will depend on their performance. “The future of employment at PIA will be determined by performance. Those who achieve results will stay with the airline,” he added.
Habib further explained that under the current agreements, the name of PIA cannot be changed. He also pointed out that there are more than 14 million Pakistanis living abroad, including more than 70 million in Pakistan who depend on the airline. “We will encourage Pakistanis to travel exclusively with PIA, which will prioritize Hajj and Umrah services,” he said.
Furthermore, he mentioned the airline’s commitment to promoting sports, like the sports initiatives of Naya Nazimabad, which provides facilities for cricket, badminton, swimming, table tennis and football. “Restoring sports at PIA will take time, but it is part of our long-term vision,” he said.
He also welcomed the PCB’s decision to choose Naya Nazimabad for school cricket, terming it a positive development for youth sports in the region. At the event, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi distributed prizes, while Pakistan Test cricket captain Shan Masood was also present on the occasion.
