On Monday, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari made it clear that the Punjab government has no plans to acquire Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). During a discussion about the possibility of launching a dedicated airline for Punjab, she emphasized that purchasing the national carrier is not on the agenda.
Bokhari highlighted the necessity for Pakistan to have a dependable airline, noting that overseas Pakistanis have consistently expressed their concerns about PIA to Mian Nawaz Sharif. “If any province wishes, it has the right to establish its own airline,” she added, reinforcing the idea that provincial autonomy allows for such initiatives.
In response to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s expressed interest in acquiring PIA, Bokhari raised questions regarding the financial rationale behind such a decision. “It’s perplexing that a province already struggling with debt would seek to buy PIA,” she remarked, advising the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to concentrate on managing its existing financial obligations rather than taking on new burdens.
Furthermore, Bokhari praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her leadership in launching various development projects while maintaining the province’s financial health. This approach, she suggested, reflects a commitment to progress and responsible governance, ensuring that Punjab continues to thrive economically while exploring potential avenues for improving transportation services within the region.
In summary, Azma Bokhari’s statements underscore the Punjab government’s current priorities, focusing on sustainable development and fiscal responsibility without overextending into potentially problematic acquisitions like PIA. The emphasis remains on enhancing provincial capabilities rather than pursuing uncertain financial ventures.
