PIA flight operations suspended indefinitely as strike enters third day
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KARACHI: All domestic and international flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remained cancelled on Thursday as the strike resulting from an employees' protest against the national carrier's proposed privatisation entered its third day.
PIA employees continued their protest outside major airports across the country, which came as the federal government invoked the Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952, in the PIA for six months.
PIA representatives at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport and Peshawar's Bacha Khan International Airport confirmed that all domestic and international flights scheduled for Wednesday were cancelled.
"All PIA flights have been suspended indefinitely," said a PIA inquiry representative at Lahore airport.
He said two PIA flights from London and Milan landed at Lahore airport on Wednesday morning, although services of "employees of a private company" were used to handle the arriving flights.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesman Pervez George told Dawn.com that the authority has requested private carrier Airblue to schedule additional flights between major cities to accommodate passengers after cancellation of PIA flights.
PIA Joint Action Committee (JAC) spokesman Nasrullah Khan said employees had resumed protest outside all major airports in the country and there has been no change in their demands.
PIA employees' four-point agenda:
- Government should immediately take back the bill passed on January 21 converting the national flag carrier into a public limited company.
- PIA's employees be provided a chance to reform the airline. If the employees fail to do so, the government will have the freedom to do whatever it finds suitable.
- Privatisation, in any form, whether it is in form of a strategic partner or selling of 36 per cent or 1pc of the organisation's shares, is not acceptable to the employees.
- Government should immediately review the aviation policy and form a committee for this purpose comprising members from PIA employees' JAC along with PIA experts Khursheed Anwar, Kamran Hasan and Salahuddin.
As news of the deaths of two protesting PIA employees in a clash with security forces spread on Tuesday evening, the national flag carrier's flight operations across the country began shutting down in solidarity with the protesters, officials said.
PIA flight operations were suspended around 4pm at Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta and Peshawar airports. The status of PIA flights at Karachi was already uncertain due to the violent protests.
As the demonstration turned bloody, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif warned that protesting employees of PIA will be fired from service and can be sent to jail for a year.
Later in the night, PIA Chairman Nasser Jaffer announced that he has resigned from his post following the death of two employees.
Know more: Air travellers stranded amid chaos at airport
Rangers to probe death of PIA employees
Director General Sindh Rangers Major Bilal Akbar has formed an investigation committee to launch a probe into the killing of PIA workers during the anti-privatisation protest, DawnNews reported.
The committee, headed by a brigadier rank officer, will look into the case keeping in view all the aspects which resulted in the death of two employees.
'Four PIA employees missing'
JAC spokesman Nasrullah Khan claimed on Wednesday that four PIA employees "went missing" last night.
Among the four are Deputy Convener JAC and President of People's Unity union Hidayatullah Khan and senior vice president of People's Unity Zameer Chandio, Nasrullah said and PIA employees Saifullah and Mansoor, DawnNews reported.
The committee will approach police to register First Information Reports against their disappearance, he said.
Later addressing a press conference in the evening, JAC Chairman Sohail Baloch said “the four members are still missing” and that the PPP Karachi President Najmi Alam has said that they are not in the custody of the police.
“Alam said that if the ‘missing members’ are in the custody of Rangers or any other security agency, the government will try to bring them back by the evening,” said Baloch.
“This will decide our future course of action. If the government thinks this is becoming a law and order situation, then it should make efforts to resolve it,” maintained the JAC chairman.
He said the protest will continue for the third day and the workers will gather at the airport on Thursday morning, at 8am.
Flights cancelled
Karachi
Lahore
Islamabad
Peshawar
Privatisation of PIA
The National Assembly on January 21 witnessed the passage of six bills, including one to convert the national flag carrier into a public limited company.
Under the bill, Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) is to be converted into a public limited company as Pakistan International Airlines Company Limited (PIACL).
The government plans to split the ailing national flag carrier PIA into two companies and sell the control of its core business to a global airline, but the opposition to the sell-off has been intense.
But representatives of PIA employees announced on Sunday their opposition to the government's privatisation plan, saying they would continue their strike and bring flight operations to a halt from Tuesday if their demands are not met.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (171) Closed
Feb 03, 2016 10:28am
Strikers must be dismissed. Govt should arrange for alternatives resources to keep the operations going. Taxpayers money should not be used in PIA any more. Well Done Govt!!!
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Feb 03, 2016 10:33am
What goes around comes around. Nawaz Sharif is the only PM in history who pushes people and institutions against the wall, until peoples opposition reaches a limit where they have to strike. His politics is to bring others down. I think this might be the spark that could ignite a united opposition against him and bring him down as well.
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Feb 03, 2016 10:36am
Government should take concrete steps to ensure privatization of the national carrier, this is the only way these employees will find some sense to work with sincerity and honesty
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Feb 03, 2016 10:36am
Unbelievable must be believed. All PIA flights are cancelled but why and how. Just yesterday only Information Minister said that he is proud of National Heroes who operated the flights yesterday and late PM announced that he will award these NH but how come these NH are not flying today. My wild guess is which could be wrong, that ever since PM did not award those NH, they are off the hook. PM should not have announced reward but since he had announced the people must had been awarded yesterday. What can PM do now to run PIA where neither its staff is working nor its chairman is on his seat? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait
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Feb 03, 2016 10:37am
Employees of PIA are protesting because they know that no one will hire them once fired from a privately-owned PIACL. They also know that in private organization they are suppose to work, which they are not used-to or in plain words doesnot know how to do.
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Feb 03, 2016 10:38am
This is a window opportunity for the government to revamp the airline, fire half of the excess employees, hire new management experienced in running a successful airline, and relaunch PIA under a new banner, improved service and updated network.
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Feb 03, 2016 10:40am
Airblue i.e Shahid Khaqan Abbassi is benefitting from this protest as his airline has been asked to accommodate all the additional traffic from PIA cancellation.
What a shame that PML-N government and its cronies always mint money out of such situations.
Therefore, I think we need PTI and IK to come back on the roads and bring PMLN to its senses.
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Feb 03, 2016 10:41am
Stand firm Nawaz. PIA is like a stubborn patient not willing to take the bitter pill.
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Feb 03, 2016 10:42am
PM Nawaz Sharif should immediately stop the privatisagtion of PIA before he lose his job by the power of the people.
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Feb 03, 2016 10:50am
Government should not privatize PIA... Start merit based "Employee Retention Program" and ask all employees hired in since 1986 to go through re-evaluation of qualification and experience process... Right size work force in phases… Employees who fail to qualify may be given re-adjustment (layoff) package including on going medical benefits for at least a year or more on case to case basis… Increase fleet size, re-brand and re-market with new vigour…
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Feb 03, 2016 10:50am
@Sodomite Some people have a personal bias against Nawaz Sharif. They can never ever see with an unbiased eye. How come a strike is being blamed on Nawaz Sharif?. Those people who were bashing PIA are now united to praise the same PIA, only because of their inherent hatred of PMLN. It is a shame and nothing else. Get out of this all time bashing attitude. Privatization is the way forward. Protecting so called National Liability only to act against Nawaz is a pretty stupid idea. PPP and especially all time whiners PTI should realize that.
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Feb 03, 2016 10:52am
These PML(N) policy makers are pro business and anti employees (Public and Private). see the people salaries raise and petrol prices cut. I am not an anti PML(N) but this is cruel Govt I have ever seen.
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Feb 03, 2016 10:54am
We are playing with fire to be honest. Just a few years ago Tunisians people came on streets and they not only toppled their President who was on the throne for so many long years but also ignited others in Egypt, Libya and Yemen and eventually all of them who were infallible had to quit. I wish that an amicable solution be chalked out to before we touch point of no return. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
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Feb 03, 2016 10:55am
Although I am not a supporter of PML-N, I wholeheartedly support the government in plan to privatize and enforce the will of government on these striking employees. Once the law is passed regarding essential services, any strike becomes illegal. Current employees of PIA have run her into the ground. They are against privatization because it might take away their illegal perks and corrupt practice.
I have had the distinct honor of traveling PIA business class once where my family and I ( a total of 5) were the only paying business class passengers in a cabin of 24.
I say go ahead and fire each and everyone. They are not working anyway
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Feb 03, 2016 10:56am
Incapable and unwilling workers have no claim on the Tax payer's money.
Let them go and work somewhere else and earn their food. Their strike is an admission that they are incapable of doing a productive, return-earning work. So,why should the state bear their burden?
As a last dole ,let the nation give them a Retraining package ,for a limited period ,say one or two years, and let them off after that; during this period the stats ca n give them 50 % of the last drawn salary as stipend.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:07am
They should all be dismissed. Have you flown on PIA ever.
Tax payer money should be used for health and education etc. not on these incompetent people.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:07am
Well, Cancellation of flights isnt something new, in fact I amazed it took govt to notice such incompetence, they should have been privatized 10 years ago.
Rampant corruption and lack of leadership (balls) to reign in the pilots and ground staff lead to the free for all which we are seeing.
Govt should also setup an ombudsman body to monitor the airline industry with extreme diligence and full authority to prosecute who gets out of line.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:08am
PIA employees are and never were in habit of working and enjoy privileges with out even giving minimal output.
I hope there can be a better way to handle this, but this needs to be done in some way and if it's the hard way then let it be.
Tax payers should not be burden with a sleeping monster like PIA who chew billions every year!
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Feb 03, 2016 11:08am
Mr. PM: Please continue to stand up boldly against unreasonable demands and blackmail even if you have to completely shut down PIA and the PSM. Enough is enough. No one should be allowed to bleed the national exchequer. A clear majority of citizens respect your move. Please do not give in and be deterred
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Feb 03, 2016 11:11am
Sense and sensibility should prevail. Both sides need to sit and resolve the issues in an amicable manner. Give the employees a chance to fix PIA. Aviation is not a commodities business. It is a business best run by the professionals who understand the complexities.
The Board has no clue about this business.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:12am
Sack anyone who does not show up for work without valid reason. Use this party services and send them home. This will save lot of future trouble. A stock in time saves nine.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:16am
Union want 2nd chance, I am seeing PIA downfall since 20 years, now they want 20 years more for 2nd chance.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:17am
What is our priority which can be either (a) cancellation of PIA flights or can be (b) resumption of PIA flights? What plan of action is in the offing to handle the situation, may I dare ask? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait /
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Feb 03, 2016 11:20am
Fault of this lies on the government and LEA. You just dont shoot people and expect to push it under the rug. My first inclination was that strike was not fair but now I dont know how to support those who kill unarmed protestors.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:28am
Please solve this problem.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:29am
instead of praising "private" institutions and pushing for privatization of all our assets and organizations, why can we not improve governance? it is point to ponder why the same people do not work under Government and work under private sector? it shows that fault lies with the government! Are we willing to introspect and fix our "systems" instead of calling our own people "useless" and "leeches"!!?
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Feb 03, 2016 11:39am
I suggest: Declare emergency on airports and clear them all from protesters first. Use police and rangers but tell them to be humans first. Then invite local and foreign airlines to run their flights for 2 months and Initiate cases against those leading protests.
This should cause death to protests BUT do not stop here. Do not delay selling off this white elephant, just do it!!!
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Feb 03, 2016 11:39am
How many of the protesting employees are the real working employees and how many of them are the PPP jiyalas that do not do anything. The PIA employees should also include in their demands a clean up of their own house through removal of employees hired on the basis of political influence and connections.
But more so, the govt. should consider taking punitive action against the previous managements and those politicians who had these incompetent people hired in the first place.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:44am
For God's sake, wind up PIA altogether.
And no more white elephants, please.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:46am
ultimately dialouge is the only way....
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Feb 03, 2016 11:48am
ultimately dialouge is the only way....
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Feb 03, 2016 11:53am
Very sad indeed, billion of dollars PIA property will go for free with the privatization of the airline. The Roosevelt hotel in New York worth $.58 million has already been eyed for $.8 million by the ruling family.
In all cities of Pakistan PIA has offices at prime locations and hotels in New York and Paris both these hotels are itself worth a fortune.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:58am
Government should not back down....privatize PIA....NOW in the national interest.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:58am
The cat is out of the bag. Give ground services to PMs advisor Shujaat Azeem's company and domestic business to airblue owned by another PMLN minister. Sell the foreign routes to our Arab friends and PIA hotels go to a certain person doing real estate business in London. PMLN is certainly the winner on this one. Too bad the resigning chairman could not get his Airbus commission; his concience woke up I guess.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:00pm
Only if there was a complete ban on firearms, these 3 innocent PIA employees would still be alive. It is becoming increasingly clear that the shots were fired by member of public not authorised to carry a gun and who could be a miscreant/target killer.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:09pm
This is something has to be done. and if i remember correctly its 25% shares gonna be privatized. so it is still owned by government. but for sure gonna be lot of changes. With these strikes most people gettin effected are domenstic travellers. International travellers are using foreign airlines.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:10pm
@bil_VA Sir do you know PIA has a pretty awesome Engineering infrastructure setup which no other airlines has in Pakistan. They overhaul engine's that come from other countries till this date.
Saying that PIA employee's are good for nothing is wrong. This general perception is due to mismanagement and government interferences. Governments of past and current government should be blame.
Another fun fact for people like you who do not do any research before talking is that only recently Nawaz government pumped 1300 people. Now if Airlines is in a loss why would you pump more people into it ?
Its all politics and game this government is playing, they are putting their people and planning to sell assets for dime to their own people so that later they can resell and earn millions.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:14pm
IF these 'employees' are so determined to keep their jobs, they could organize and raise funds to buy PIA and run it as a private enterprise. Then they will have a vested interest, have pride of ownership stake, will be able to protect their investments, and will be free to compete effectively with other carriers and will be accountable to each other.
But that will require them to show up and actually work!
And the reality is, they are only looking for hand-outs, a pay-check without working!
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Feb 03, 2016 12:16pm
There is no such thing as a national carrier. PIA should be privatized or closed down. Status quo is no option. Fed up of the politics of agitation and the mind set of my way or highway - this all or nothing mentality or the Zero sum game is the root cause of our problems - no cohesion, no real consensus even on key national issues. Rulers acting like KIngs and opposition for the sake of opposition. What a disgrace
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Feb 03, 2016 12:17pm
To all those who are against privatisation. Can you tell me what would happen if you were working for a company with such dire financial situation. Yes you would be out of work. Now tell me what would you do if you had a business like PIA. Continue to run as it is? PIA needs to be privatised period. Has anyone seen the members of PALPA. most of them are sure they would lose their jobs once PIA is privatised. Sad state of affair and government needs to put an end to this.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:20pm
fire everyone and hire new and young people and put them in a jail. for damaging National Assets.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:22pm
being an expat in Gulf for more than 20 years I have travelled only twice and that too not having any alternate option and being a government employee i am not sure to return for job on proper time if i travel by this airline it deserved closure 20 years before but not any one had courage to do so
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Feb 03, 2016 12:30pm
Notably, the second point of the agenda has no time line; of their failure.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:30pm
This strike looks more like a political point scoring than anything else. The government had already deferred the privatization move by six months, so why street protest was started. This is a pure political move to show muscle to the government. Rangers action to finish corruption in Sindh could not be digested by some. PM Nawaz Sharif should listen to the workers just demands & try to solve them but in no case should get intimidated by the trouble mongers.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:35pm
Politics is winning and system is failing. Pakistan is not a suitable country for democracy where you have got illiterate public representatives, who only get themselves out there to strengthen their personal interests and benefits.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:42pm
Not a right time for such a move,,,,we have bigger issues to tackle at this point such as extremism, ttp and so forth. The Government should take all the stake holders on board including the opposition before taking a decision on PIA.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:44pm
Not a good option at all by the employees to shut down PIA. They are playing at the hands of political exploiters. Those who failed in reducing Rangers action is finding interest in the current turmoil.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:48pm
Many years ago 12000 air traffic controllers in the US went on an unauthorized strike, Ronal Regan the US President fired all 12000 of them. PIA employees are no more essential than air traffic controller in country of 180 million. They are taking a country and an airline hostage.
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Feb 03, 2016 12:49pm
NS is doing very right. All should be sacked. arrange alternative sources, and if not, no issues, PIA is already in debt at a tune of 1.6 billion Dollars. Let it not fly untill its privatized. More flying means more debt. And yes block all medical facilities as well as salaries of PIA, in fact sack them all, and induct new team. better be it late then never...
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Feb 03, 2016 12:55pm
Very good. Now right time for the government to disown PIA and should never bail out it in the future.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:05pm
How come the government has had to suspend all operations? Was there no contingency planning? Did no one see the strike coming and assess its possible impact on flights?
If the country can get through without PIA working for a few days perhaps then better to shut the whole airline and let private airlines run the show and take over.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:14pm
Enough of this financial and political madness!
I believe PIA as well as Pak Steel Mill should be privatized at earliest, and if due to such violence and nonsensical protests a suitable buyer can't be found, then, instead of keep financing their horribly high deficits, both of these entities should be shut down for good, but liquidating their assets, and terminating all employees.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:15pm
Government should make alternate arrangements to run the show.Take the stand like KE (Karachi Electric) . Now in Karachi there is electricity as well as good service for those who pay their bills regularly.
Any Commercial organizations if held hostage by its employees for their conveniences only is bound to face ultimate disaster.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:18pm
I am Taxpayer. it is our demand that Taxpayers money should not be used in PIA any more. Well Done Govt!!!
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Feb 03, 2016 01:18pm
The main question everyone should be asking ... why is Nawaz Shareef and Ishaque Dar so adamant to sell PIA and that too very quickly? The answer lies in IMF loan terms agreed to by Ishaque Dar. All the loan that he took in last two years to fool the public that Pakistan FOREX reserve is increasing. The IMF is now dictating and want the terms met hence selling or more like dumping off PIA at all costs.
Dont be fooled by this PMLN govt like the last PPP govt. PIA needed better management and restructuring and NOT a dump off to please IMF bosses. This govt will sell off Pakistan bit by bit. External loan will reach 100 billion and it will be game over. At that time they will run off to Riyadh, London and Dubai where their real interest lies.
Wake up Pakistanis. Dont be fooled by PMLN. Wake up PMLN voters.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:19pm
@Sodomite This would end the current government, note it.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:22pm
I am Taxpayer; it is our demand that must stop taxpayer money used in PIA anymore
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Feb 03, 2016 01:22pm
Emplyoee should not black mail goverment when PIA in loss from last many years.... Fire them all and privatise properly
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Feb 03, 2016 01:24pm
@M Junaid Khan this man is the main culprit of the devastation of PIA
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Feb 03, 2016 01:25pm
We have to pay additional Rs. 2000 to the agents to get a confirm PIA ticket from Gilgit to Islamabad and back and forth. PIA officials look like they give something for free when you face them on the ticket counter. In this scenario, a passenger needs respect and fairness to travel from one place to another. If we see the things without biases, all government agencies must be privatised to ensure quality of service and respect of public.
These protests should be logical and government should see alternate ways of resolving this issue. Basically, government of the time should have powers to bring reforms with government institutions. It is not the right of the PIA employees to make their own regulations for a government institution.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:25pm
I dont mind privatization, I just think they are selling this organisation to their own buddies . Pakistani organisations and actually the whole country is like a cake, and everyone is eating it, and pmln is taking the lion's share now.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:27pm
Sack the strikers, NOW!
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Feb 03, 2016 01:29pm
@Khan Lala you are out of your mind you want these thugs looters to have more by selling PIA, have you not seen the industries like Pak China Fertilizers & National Fibers what happened to them when they were privatized by Nawaz Sahreef government
Think before you Ink....
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Feb 03, 2016 01:31pm
PIA must not be privatized but engineered to be a profitable airline once again.
we dont want these thugs looters to have more by selling PIA, have we not seen the industries like Pak China Fertilizers & National Fibers what happened to them when they were privatized by Nawaz Sahreef government
Think before you Ink....
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Feb 03, 2016 01:38pm
@Sodomite Do you agree that your tax money should be paid to recover losses of Lousy PIA? At least majority of the pak tax payers dont.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:39pm
@M Junaid Khan "You have Good sense of humor"
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Feb 03, 2016 01:43pm
Ask all the pia employees to reapply for the same/existing job. This way the the fixed number of vacancies available can be set.
Its sad that flights are cancelled but there is no way back now. Privatisation is a must. I want PIA to be great again with a proper workforce committed to wear the pia lepel with pride, not someone who smuggles mobile phones from manchester or dubai to Pakistan.
I feel sorry for the 2 people who lost their lives.
I do not agree with pti and ik rally cos that will not solve anything. Even IK knows that the employees of pia are well wrong in this.
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Feb 03, 2016 01:44pm
@bil_VA
Agree 100 %
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Feb 03, 2016 01:58pm
Time to privatize PIA.
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Feb 03, 2016 02:04pm
NS gov are cursed to make a mess of everything they do.
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Feb 03, 2016 02:04pm
Oh no ... Strikes ... What will happen to PM's foreign trips now?
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Feb 03, 2016 02:12pm
Its not a political issue. Each year millions of rupees from tax payer pocket goes to poor performing government owned organisations. This money can be used to build hospitals and schools. PIA employees cant earn profit so let a private company operate it. Air france, KLM and Swiss air are the good examples.
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Feb 03, 2016 02:26pm
@Usman
Well said. It is not a political issue. Millions of rupees that are given to PIA, and its employees are not a charity money. It is tax payers money. We, the people, have the right to have safe water supply, better schools, better health system, and better education.
Few institutions are white elephants and eating up the common persons resources.
Why PIA employees can not make it profitable?
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Feb 03, 2016 02:31pm
I believe the Employee of PIA should have thought about maintaining the service level which they had in 70's and 80's. Had they done that, the churn of customers would not have taken place. Moreover PIA should have inducted competent employee instead of political jiylas. The main reason these PIA employees are resisting privitzation, is the fact there will be an audit every 6 month and the incompetence of most of the employees will come forth. More over with the privatization, they will fire people who are redundent. I happen to go for ummarah few months on PIA, trust me the level of service and the attitude of the flight attendants was worse then the Dae Woo bus service.
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Feb 03, 2016 02:40pm
The airline is as useless as its aircrafts, and its employees. Those protesting must be immediately fired without any retirement benefits, and get rid of this nuisance once for all.
What was the effort of employees to improve the conditions of ailing airlines, do we have even a single example of excellence. The Pakistani public has been the victim for paying high fares for a sub-standard, and unprofessional service.
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Feb 03, 2016 03:03pm
Due to these strikes we are loosing business , most of the trips to Neelum Valley and Shogran and Swat Got postponed or get cancelled. Customers from karachi can't afford higher prices of other airline companies. Atleast their should be some rules and regulations of public services, from their strikes everyone is loosing business.
Regards,
Manager pakistantravelguide.pk
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Feb 03, 2016 03:05pm
PIA employes are right on this ........... we do not have to sell PIA ... we need to fix it ......... instead of selling ........... KING NAWAZ ...... what a shame.......... he is fail to fix it so now he is selling .......... why do not he resign and someone else to take care of these issues ......... This is Pakistan it is not Ittefaq Foundries...........
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Feb 03, 2016 03:05pm
This is the test of your metal Mr. Prime Minister. Let us see how many of these good for nothing employees you can fire?. Only a few days ago Mr. Dar had said that "no one will be fired because of the privatization"!!.
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Feb 03, 2016 03:25pm
Where are the missing PIA employees? Probably abducted. That is INSANE.
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Feb 03, 2016 03:25pm
Air Force Pilots may be used to serve the passengers who have already booked and paid for tickets. What is their fault? Pakistani Govt. is responsible to them.
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Feb 03, 2016 03:26pm
Government is wasting its time. Just completely closed down PIA and let budget airlines operate within the country.
I myself travelled a lot in budget airline across Europe which are cheaper but always on time with 2 to 3 staff people. Why we need a luxury ride from Karachi to Rawalpindi?
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Feb 03, 2016 03:29pm
Suffering.. Suffering every where.. Incompetent and corrupt leaders to deal with since decades..
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Feb 03, 2016 03:38pm
perhaps it is better to demolish this airline, fire all employees, and then make a fresh start...it will be like a phoenix rising from the ash!
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Feb 03, 2016 03:41pm
Corruption/In-efficiency trickles from the top.
Why workers from the same society working in private organizations perform better that people working in govt. organizations?
It is the owner of the organization from which trickles the in-efficiency or efficiency, ministers are corrupt but private organization owners are loyal with their organizations and so is the output of their organizations.
People or workers are not corrupt it is the head of the organization which makes them corrupt.
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Feb 03, 2016 03:42pm
@Skeptic They have already suggested this to the government who refused their offer.
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Feb 03, 2016 03:47pm
As I've stated previously on this forum, there is precedence in history of a government taking firm action against striking government employees which disrupted the daily commerce, public transport and government functions.
In the early 80s, President Ronald Reagan fired the striking Air Traffic Controllers, who walked off their jobs, seeking better pay - all employees of the U.S. Dept. of Transport.
I don't see why NS government doesn't take a quick action and fire these strikers, and resume operations of PIA with employee who were largeley able to keep most of the company humming until yesterday?
It takes leadership to take bold and decisive decisions. Time to step up to the plate and announce that you mean business Mr. PM.
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Feb 03, 2016 03:52pm
The nation should stand together against the brutality of this so called democratic government. No one should have the right to take innocent lives regardless if you agree with privitization or not. The nation should stand with PIA employees. Today its them tomorrow it can be anyone else. Stand and get rid of this so called corrupt to the core democratic government.
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Feb 03, 2016 03:58pm
What next now for the Government? This matter has dragged too long and might become very ugly. Only solution appears to give it to NAB for finding the corruption empire behind this International Face of Pakistan for complete cleansing of its bogging dirt for good.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:00pm
So it looks like PIA and PSM are heading for permanent closure......Six months or few years down the line we will be saying, you know we used to have an Air Line called PIA, and people will say Really what is PIA.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:07pm
We know the standard of service PIA employees offer,and the rightful solution is privatization.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:12pm
Govt., must restore all flight operations and discard political elements from PIA. No more tax payers money to feed these union leaders & their supporters.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:17pm
To protest or go on strike is human right but it should not lead to killing and maiming. We all know that PIA has had problems over the years. It is a bleeding wound on the nations economy.It is one of the most overstaffed airlines in the world. Neoptisim is rife. The planes are dirty, the staff is rude,untrained and the service is poor. One feels onwanted. Gone are the days when it was "great people to fly with" But still it is a national airline and problems have to be sorted out. The Govt. dithers all the time causing confusion. Why not appoint an independent non political board (if such can be found inPakistan) and accept it's findings as binding. This is the only way out instead of bullets . If the Govt. cannot tackle a small industrial dispute God help us.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:17pm
Fire each and every protesting employee, these hypocrites are only working there for free foreign tickets
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Feb 03, 2016 04:19pm
@Sodomite
Yes, PML(N) always try to reform the institutions causing huge losses to the national exchequer, while PPP, & now PTI as well , resist such reforms to achieve their political ends at the cost of national interest.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:22pm
Privatize PIA now to establish the state' authority.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:34pm
@Sodomite A very good Analises.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:35pm
No more leniency by Govt.This is a golden chance to restore PIA.No need to succumb pressures.Well done Prime Minister.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:36pm
PM Nawaz said that some political parties are exploiting PIA employees which could have been true and I had believed also but after reading that PIA has asked Air Blue to double up its flights I dare remark that there is no political party involved in inciting the employees rather on the contra it is Air Blue which does not want PIA to operate so that the whole load flies on Air Blue. You being more informative, smart and highly influential person very well know as to who not only owns Air Blue but is also a cabinet minister and I dare not name him unless and until I turn my own enemy. BTW, how and why Shaheen Airline has been ignored which definitely could have extended great help. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / zaidi.x.diplomat@hotmail.com
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Feb 03, 2016 04:37pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Totally agreed.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:43pm
Govt must use PAF and Army transport planes to replace internal flights on emergency basis to transport the passengers stranded by PIA strike and also to beat the strike. The private lines are not capable of coping with the passenger load.As far as PIA unions are concerned contrary to their claims they will never improve the PIA as over the last 30-40yrs they hav done their best to destroy the PIA inspite of having repeated warnings of its privatisation,these union leaders have mercilessly milked the national carrier in collaboration with successive govts.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:52pm
Negotiations and dialogues are the best way to find out the way. When govt has announced six months delay to privatize the PIA, the Union should wait. The lose of life in the incident is irreparable. PIA was the best service and profitable organization but now a days instead of earning gaining lose. Before taking the decision of privatization of PIA Government and responsible should also find out what happen. May they find that extra recruitment and overruling is the main cause of PIA back gear. Before going on strike, they should mend their ways. Could they justify their demand by creating problems for the government and people.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:57pm
Although I am a PTI supported but this time you are right Nawaz...Privatization is the only solution of PIA and other SOE's. Dont back off or give in and we all are with you.
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Feb 03, 2016 04:57pm
PIA privatization is essential to save the airlines from sinking. It has incurred colossal losses inflicting terrible blows to the national exchequer. Political favoritism has led to this catastrophic situation. Inflated staff, fat salaries, undue benefits and facilities continued to corrode the performance of the national flag carrier for years. It is high time that the government took proper remedial measures. Privatization of PIA can certainly inject new blood and help it take off again. The govt. should stand firm and push forward its plan of rescuing and reviving the national airlines by giving it the bitter pill. Privatization means you compete, increase your productivity and contribute in the socio-economic development and progress of the country.
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Feb 03, 2016 05:02pm
@ Riaz M M The Ex PAF people are running Shaheen Airlines and look at the mess they have made.....
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Feb 03, 2016 05:02pm
Poor PIA and Poor Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif and Khaqaan started the rot by sending the entire middle management of PIA home with a golden handshake and allowed all the Gulf Airlines to operate at will from Pakistan and from more than 1 airport. That broke its legs. The PPP gang who are great are giving jobs did what they good at. Give jobs at will. PIA was left with incompetent and crooked staff with no clue of managing anything leave alone an airline. So both the government and the staff are responsible for this mess. where will it go is anybody's guess
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Feb 03, 2016 05:08pm
Instead of putting different options on the table for PIA, what's the real reason for NS to press for privatisation? Could it be that the King's family wants to own a chunk of the PIA and PSM as well?
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Feb 03, 2016 05:11pm
@Arslan --- do we need to think "king" want to have PIA and PSM under his auspices.... ?
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Feb 03, 2016 05:12pm
@IBN E ASHFAQUE ,I did not say togive PIA to PAF and clearly wrote to say that PAF and Army transport planes should be used in PIA strike period as an emergency to transport stranded passengers of internal flights.In fact I am totally opposed to military taking over any civilian department.
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Feb 03, 2016 05:31pm
Well done government. This is the fight between the inefficient and the prudent.
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Feb 03, 2016 05:37pm
I'm sorry to judge a book by its cover, but these so-called activists look like paid persons.
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Feb 03, 2016 05:37pm
PM said that the government has alternate arrangements to keep PIA operating. What happened? PIA has lost its world class status to a very poorly operated airline.
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Feb 03, 2016 05:41pm
@Irfan I had a similar experience when my family and I flew business class from Lahore to London.
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Feb 03, 2016 05:41pm
Being a tax payer, I do not want my money to be injected into an organization to keep feeding incompetent and lethargic lot. Over staffing by political governments has brought the national carrier to its knees. The government should not get Blackmailed.
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Feb 03, 2016 05:49pm
I'm no fan of Nawaz Sharif but PIA definitely needs surgery. Cancer has spread beyond medication now. Only thing worst is to do it in shady deals. Yes, the one's PMLN is infamous for.
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Feb 03, 2016 05:57pm
Such protesting is trashing the airline to the point of being considered garbage. No one wants to buy garbage!
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Feb 03, 2016 05:59pm
@Factual Agreed I served PIA for 27 years
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Feb 03, 2016 06:16pm
PML (N) government has miserably failed to govern. All Pakistan's problem are related to your parties mismanagement of basic issues under your teams poor political leadership. This type of governance is disastrous for the countries economic health and LEA's future. Mr. Nawaz Sharif (PM) Saheb pay attention to the issues that you and your government is unable to handle. Else you will be history soon.
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Feb 03, 2016 06:18pm
The Information Minister,Pervez Rashid had publicly stated in a press conference that alternative arrangements to run the airline were in place.
So why is it not running or was he bluffing ?
He should be held accountable and removed from his position for misleading the people and the media.
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Feb 03, 2016 06:42pm
This is the way they deal in Karachi but not in Islamabad or Lahore.....Pakistan zindabad
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Feb 03, 2016 06:54pm
I would like to see PM negotiating with Union since he threatened to remove this Union under the guise of calling them as employees of PIA. he is a kind man he is running around to save democracy and country. No Minister is required here to deal with Union, PM will do himself.
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Feb 03, 2016 06:58pm
Stupid people. How does shutting down PIA help it in the long term?
The terms outlined by the employees are illogical. Since when did employees tell their employers how to run a company.
Privatise or sell off PIA asap and save the nation
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Feb 03, 2016 07:03pm
Very sad about the deaths of PIA employees but if we are really sincere to get the ailing PIA back on track, this is the time to act fast and privatize it. People who are on strike need to stay on strike and no body should worry about them. If the striking people's salary is stopped, they will run away themselves. This thing is becoming very political and it need to stop now.
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Feb 03, 2016 07:47pm
PIA Pain in All $$$. This airline is bad all knows but thats all the result of Politicizing it Do clean up but not by force use employee stock owner program to tell employees you will get base salary only till the time you turn it into profitable. Let them choose the best person to run it professionally totally ban Union activities.
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Feb 03, 2016 07:52pm
Good time to sell all the planes and shut the operations of this useless white elephant forever.
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Feb 03, 2016 07:54pm
PIA is national carrier and has been filled with useless workers from political parties. They all need to be fired. PIA has to be revamped and privatised to survive
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Feb 03, 2016 07:58pm
What makes us think that anyone in he government is more capable of running PIA. We are all the same. We as a poor nation do not deserve an airline or a steel mill. We should get rid of these two things. It has been just to feed our false pride. This false pride is eating our real selves.
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Feb 03, 2016 08:08pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif must take bold decisions in the national interest, even if means "sacking" PIA workers who are striking and resorting to violence. Unions should protest peacefully and resolve issues through negotiations, instead of threats and violence. PIA has been losing money due to 8,000 surplus employees who were not needed, but wrongfully hired during 5 year PPP government making it the worst aircraft-to-employee ratio in the world.
Many people may not know or remember that President Reagan had sacked 12,000 striking air traffic controllers in USA, and brought in air force controllers to manage air traffic operations. New civilian controllers were eventually hired. Such great leaders are not fearful of taking bold decisions in the national interest, they don't worry about their popularity. National interest is supreme.
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Feb 03, 2016 08:16pm
their demand to let them work and perform and if they dont give results privatise PIA is disgusting and ridiculous..i mean what were they doing early wasting our money..
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Feb 03, 2016 08:18pm
Looks like there has been some under the table deal to privatize PIA. Now the government is desperate to keep its end of the deal. The way to deal with PIA was simple: Let other airlines compete and let PIA disappear naturally.
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Feb 03, 2016 08:20pm
The solution is very simple. The airline should be completely depoliticized. Get rid of the all staff that should not be there to begin with and have no merit. The PIA is full of PPP and MQM members and their family and friends who take pensions, steal airline inventory, and do not show up at work. Bring in fresh blood solely based on merit, change the management, re-organize, re-brand and relaunch the National airline. Get rid of everyone who is working for the PIA who have has secured their position through political means and influence. For God's sake run all Govt bodies properly or simply resign. What face are showing to the world right now. This is really shameful.
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Feb 03, 2016 08:37pm
The government must stand ground. Sack all these people and employ them back one by one under a new management. These are or corrupt lazy workers.
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Feb 03, 2016 08:57pm
PIA with 780 staff for each of its planes is world's most uneconomical airline which is impossible to operate, even with zero profit. Those who appointed such a dead-weight of workers without work, must be booked and taken to task. They must be grilled and squeezed to settled their appointed staff, now making the life miserable for the whole country.
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Feb 03, 2016 09:06pm
Four PIA employee's missing now!
There is no such thing as rule of law in this country, these people have become thugs now. For their personal gains (making profit by selling assets) they can cross any line. Wait ... there is actually no line for Nawaz and CO!
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Feb 03, 2016 09:06pm
These employees of PIA are used to a welfare system as opposed to a system of merit. I say let them strike and cut their paychecks. Let's see how long their unions can keep them on their payroll. PIA must be privatized so long as the privatization is fair and it is sold to the right buyer who will be committed to rebuilding the airline.
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Feb 03, 2016 09:10pm
@Aamir but dear you leader IK has a different stance on it.
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Feb 03, 2016 09:10pm
@Mughal dear please come out of PPP and MQM obssesion. I have never seen any air hostess or steward on PIA planes as well as ground staff at BBIA airport while traveling from Islamabad to Japan.
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Feb 03, 2016 09:28pm
@M Junaid Khan Who would you like to carry these passengers those stranded due to incompetent PIA employees? Do you think NS deliberately caused this strike so Mr. Abasi can benefit from this? The bottom line is this airlines needs to be privatized so politicians in future can't hire incompetent employees and management to just please their own friends.
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Feb 03, 2016 09:29pm
Don't make the employees angry. I am never going to sit if the airline goes public. You know why? Because the employees will fault the airplane so it crashes, that's the revenge the employees will take
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Feb 03, 2016 09:30pm
Strike is the right of employees. You cannot take it by force, realized and recognized problem of over staffing but who gave government power to crush this way? PIA established Emirates when it was under the good governance of public sector and may flourish again if we do proper cleansing
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Feb 03, 2016 09:34pm
Nawaz Sharif Sahib at his best!
Any step you take towards the betterment of this country of ours, you will find support.
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Feb 03, 2016 09:39pm
For most of my friends who are commenting here think that PIA is solely a Karachi based airline because the protest was started from Karachi. For those friends, please try to travel from Karachi to Islamabad, or from any other airport than Karachi to London, Dubai, KSA etc than you will find what does mean a National flag carrier. Off course during BB tenure a lot of people got politically appointed but almost the equal number of staff was appointed during NS earlier regimes. In all over the world, the national carrier was given priority for example Emirares is Dubai's flag carrier that's why Emirates uses a separate terminal solely built for their operations same as JAL here in Japan. But unfortunately PIA has been ruining for the decades by political influence. Now it is a sinking ship these politicians want to get more money from its dead body. In such circumstances only God can save it. Privatization is not a major stick which will create efficiency from the day one.
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Feb 03, 2016 09:54pm
PIA staff has created this influx of uncertainty. The airline went down from iconic to shame over the years. It is easy to finger point the government but for the last 20 years, no sustainability improvements were made by PIA management to increase the profitability. Delay departure and delay arrival were the common theme and which forced business professionals to opt alternate airlines. In addition, all the premium seats were always occupied by airline friends and family members.
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Feb 03, 2016 11:03pm
It is a very good decision by the government to privatize the PIA. It will improve the standards of the airline. Unfortunately in our country the public sector is very useless.
The employers do not devote themselves to their profession as a result that particular institution becomes corrupted. I hope the privatization will improve the standards of the airline and reduce the burden of government.By this only competent and honest people will survive. I hope this is the only way to save this declining institution
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Feb 03, 2016 11:26pm
We need national assets...thisbisbone of our national assets.. Don't privatize take steps to improve it under government..
If pia privatization is required then out government should also be privatized...
This shows inefficiency of government if they cannot overhaul this one institution then how come they can overhaul whole country
Pathetic inefficient government
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Feb 03, 2016 11:26pm
Is there anyone who could answer and resolve the plight of prospective travellers, left in nowhere with these abandoned flight operations??
When and Who is going to refund the hard earned money that has gone wasted due to cancelled flights??
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Feb 03, 2016 11:28pm
Shut down but still saving money!
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Feb 03, 2016 11:35pm
So wats next. What govt is doing to restore flights. From Quetta no flights of any airline, except only one to Isbd of Shaheen.
Govt must resume flight immediately as its causing immence torture .
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Feb 03, 2016 11:47pm
Successive governments are to be blamed by recruiting cronies instead on merit. What a let down for the PIA of Nur Khan. We loved to travel on PIA now we avoid it like a plague. Time to sell the airline.
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Feb 04, 2016 12:10am
I live in USA and while travelling to Pakistan I normally avoid PIA like the plague. Recently for personal reasons I had to travel PIA and their service was atrocious. About a third of the plane was empty and the PIA staff blocked off the approach to that part by parking service trolleys in the passage. I suspect they wanted to sleep on the seats and did not want passengers using that area. When asked why they had done that, the flight attendant replied "So that the plane may not lose balance." I have no sympathy for PIA. PIA should have been privatized long ago. Kudos to Nawaz Sharif
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Feb 04, 2016 12:12am
PIA should have been privatized long ago. Kudos to Nawaz Sharif.
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Feb 04, 2016 12:43am
Make me the head of PIA. Like how I run the department at BNU. I will sack all bad employees. PIA needs a good leader.
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Feb 04, 2016 12:58am
What else can they do?
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Feb 04, 2016 01:08am
I have flown PIA, I wouldn't do it again if you paid me! Worst experience ever!
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Feb 04, 2016 01:12am
Get rid of PIA--the white elephant. The sooner, the better.
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Feb 04, 2016 01:14am
PPP destoyed PIA by hiring incompetent 'Jialaas'
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Feb 04, 2016 01:21am
Now at this point of time when the date has changed and it is 3rd consecutive day that PIA flights both domestic and international are not operative but surprisingly PM Nawaz has taken any logistical steps to resume PIA flights and I dare very humbly request PM to please tell me as to when the flights shall be resumed? Perhaps PM is neither disturbed nor interested for early resumption and instead he wants to test the stamina and sustaining power of the protesters which could his approach. It reminds me that when someone starts jerking vehemently his body to right and left attending qawwali and people try to pacify him but qawwal says just leave him alone and eventually he will stop at his own simply because very often I face such men whom when I put them to test they just clam down and it will be proved by me here too. Test of patience and stamina. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / zaidi.x.diplomat@hotmail.com
ecause I will put him to real test
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Feb 04, 2016 04:40am
@Sodomite
Really, who is talking from the rear?
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Feb 04, 2016 04:57am
@Rational
Day to day business of organization is run by workers, so it is the workers who are corrupt, lazy, and dishonest and destroyed PIA. All protesting workers should be fired.
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Feb 04, 2016 05:16am
@Uzair
Those Jialas are responsible of two deaths
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Feb 04, 2016 05:17am
At the current staggering loss of billions every year, barely shutting down this organization would be a relief to Pakistani taxpayers. These so called employees are the sole reason for the demise. Good job govt. , for once I support PM on the bold step.
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Feb 04, 2016 05:20am
@Ahmed USA - Good suggestions, perhaps as an interim solution! Between the two extremes - of privatization-now and never-privatization - is there a 'golden mean' possible? However, care needs to be taken to ensure that this improvement/ revamp process is not 'derailed'. I am sure there are enough capable people to undertake this revamp, as the employees insist. Best wishes.
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Feb 04, 2016 06:07am
When Zardari proposed the privatization of PIA, Nawaz Shareef led the opposition to that proposal and was all for saving it. In fact, he suggested to sell Zardari's hotel in New York to fund PIA. Now that PIA is in trouble, what about selling his and Samdhi ji's assets in foreign countries to save this business? PIA has been ruined by recruiting employees by PPP and PML-N based on nepotism. To save PIA, get rid of the political appointees and keep the one who are hard working and got the job on merit. If you must sell it, forget about your commission and sell the shares to the employees. Employee owned businesses rarely fail, and even if that happens, government is off the hook after the sale.
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Feb 04, 2016 06:09am
I think privatization is the right move. It seems whatever government comes, along comes 40% more PIA employees. Now there is a caveat, who is it being sold to? A mama ka phopha ka batay ka larka? will Pakistani people ever see the money?
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Feb 04, 2016 06:28am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Few decades ags, this organization was in profit along with other organizations in Pakistan. Then what happened every think is going downwards Wapda, Steel Mills; even the performance of Police, Bureaucracy and economy as a whole is worse. Hard to find a few names which are privatized and are doing proud jobs as PIA or Steel Mills have done in past. In addition, I am not against of privatization; but here the problem is different. Summary, everything was doing good regardless of privatization or not in past but not now. Why?. In fact, it is our collective diminished abilities as a whole which we need to concern more than anythin else.
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Feb 04, 2016 07:26am
Pakistan government is excellent in its governance. Sharif is a very hard working PM. The whole family is working without any salary for the benefit of Pakistani people. Power of vote is really working for Pakistani nation.
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Feb 04, 2016 07:28am
Let them be on strike.. Just fly via AirBlue...
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Feb 04, 2016 07:54am
PIA flights are not operating for 3rd consequent days incurring very heavy loss to the country which simply cannot and should not be allowed to happen any more and, therefore, I very strongly suggest that it is very high and ripe time for our most honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan that he should come into action and take punitive action either against the government or the employees whomsoever he thinks is at fault causing so colossal loss on daily basis. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / zaidi-former-diplomat@hotmail.com / Cell +965-66229897
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Feb 04, 2016 08:11am
Lay off all while the operation is stalled and insert fresh qualified blood.
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Feb 04, 2016 08:35am
@M Junaid Khan
This mess has not been created by any private airline but rather by PIA unions, rather the private airlines are now providing an alternate to a messed up situation. Further how is IK the answer to the ongoing morass. In fact his claims are ludicrous stating that Zardari era was better than the current one as they doled out jobs. Those jobs were doled out on cronyism, nepotism and downright bribery. The deserving never got an opportunity and perhaps never will.
IK and the likes must not play politics as the airline is on the brink of disaster, where as cheap popularity with those unions that are instrumental in running this airline into the ground will prove to do more harm rather than serve in the better interest of the airline or the country in general.
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Feb 04, 2016 08:49am
My father worked as an Aircraft Engineer for PIA from 1960s till early 1990s, back when PIA was a world class Airline and professional staff managed this airline. I remember him working tirelessly and many times overworked and did Nightshifts keeping the PIA running efficiently and he took pride in his work. He won many awards for his hard work. He grew up very poor in a small village near Rawalpindi and was top student in all his classes (Came 1st in every class). When I was in High School, my dad told me, I will NOT be able to get you hired anywhere in Pakistan, certainly Not in PIA, as I don't believe in Sifaarish, as he never need and used Sifaarish for himself for anything and would never use it for his own son. That is what PIA was like, and most people were HONEST back then. Sad to see the current state of affairs of PIA. Hopefully something better turns out for PIA, and yes Privatization is probably the best way forward.
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Feb 04, 2016 10:12am
Selling the National assets like this will prove disastrous for the country .
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