Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has initiated plans to hire engineers and technicians on a daily wage basis due to a significant number of resignations within the airline. This decision comes in the wake of the government’s privatization efforts, which have prompted 110 engineers and technicians to leave their positions recently. To address the resulting staffing shortage, PIA has begun conducting interviews to hire new staff on a contractual basis.
According to sources within the airline, while recruitment for engineers and technicians is progressing, a final decision regarding the hiring of aircraft engineers is still pending. The last time aircraft engineers were hired by PIA was back in 2016, making this recruitment particularly significant for the airline’s future operations.
The timing of this recruitment drive coincides with a visit by a British delegation to Pakistan, which is assessing the country’s aviation safety standards. The delegation, representing the UK Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is conducting a review of the safety protocols of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). This review is an important step toward the resumption of flight operations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, the government has come under scrutiny following a controversial advertisement related to the launch of PIA’s Paris flights. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation into the matter, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announcing the directive during a Senate session. The controversy comes at a time when the national carrier faces significant challenges related to its privatization process.
These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by PIA, as the airline seeks to stabilize its workforce and meet international safety standards amid government-led reforms.
