Says over 14 million Pakistanis live abroad and 70 million depend on the airline domestically
Prominent businessman Arif Habib has reiterated his commitment to make Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) a profitable carrier, stressing that employee performance will be key to job security at the national carrier.
Addressing the media during the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Inter-School Final at Naya Nazimabad on Thursday, Habib stated that making PIA a profitable airline is his top priority. He recognized the importance of PIA’s employees, acknowledging that the airline’s success in the past was largely due to their efforts.
“We will provide PIA employees with job security as it was the dedication of the employees that helped make PIA the world’s second most successful airline,” he said. However, he also made it clear that employee retention will depend on performance. “The future of employment at PIA will be determined by performance. Those who deliver 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 over 14 million Pakistanis living abroad and more than 70 million people in Pakistan depend on the airline. “We would encourage Pakistanis to travel exclusively with PIA, which will prioritize services for Hajj and Umrah,” he said.
Additionally, he mentioned the airline’s commitment to promoting sports, akin to the sports initiatives at Naya Nazimabad, which offers 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 lauded PCB’s decision to select Naya Nazimabad for school cricket and called it a positive development for youth sports in the area. At the event, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi distributed prizes while Pakistan Test cricket captain Shan Masood was also present on the occasion.
