Islamabad: The Peoples Unity of PIA Employees Union has strongly rejected the government’s plan to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), calling it illegal, unconstitutional and unethical.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, union leaders said the government was determined to privatise PIA on December 23 without consulting serving or retired employees. They alleged that assets worth Rs1,200 billion were being undervalued at Rs270 billion, terming it a clear act of dishonesty.
The union expressed serious concern over the future of around 6,500 current employees and nearly 17,000 retired workers, saying no clear plan had been presented regarding their jobs, pensions, medical benefits or other entitlements. They argued that PIA is being wrongly portrayed as a loss-making entity, claiming the airline earned a net profit of Rs26 billion in the last fiscal year and Rs11.5 billion in the first half of the current year.
Union representatives accused the government of bypassing constitutional and legal requirements, including approvals from parliament and the Council of Common Interests, despite the existence of the PIA Act.
They announced the start of protest demonstrations at PIA offices nationwide, with planned protests at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi airports. The union warned that if their demands were not accepted, they would pursue all legal, constitutional and international forums, including approaching the International Court of Justice, to protect the airline and the rights of its employees.
