The Senate was recently briefed on a staggering financial blow to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) caused by the fake pilot license scandal, which has resulted in an estimated loss of nearly Rs200 billion over a five-year period spanning from August 2020 to December 2024. This revelation came during a detailed Question Hour session where the Ministry of Defence provided a comprehensive written response addressing the issue.
Adding to the concerns raised in the session, senators from Balochistan expressed their frustration over the lack of active airports and the suspension of flight operations within the province. Balochistan, despite being Pakistan’s largest province by area, currently has only three operational airports: Quetta, Gwadar, and Turbat. This limited connectivity has sparked protests among the province’s representatives, highlighting the urgent need for improved air travel infrastructure and services.
Further details shared by the ministry painted a concerning picture of the state of aviation facilities in Balochistan. Out of the 11 airports in the region, several remain non-functional or closed. For instance, Dalbandin Airport lacks a proper runway, rendering it unusable for commercial flights. Meanwhile, airports in Zhob, Pasni, and Panjgur, although technically operational, have been shut down due to the suspension of flight services. Similarly, Khuzdar and Sibi airports are currently inactive because no flights are scheduled to operate there.
Moreover, two airports—Ormara and Jiwani—have been closed since 2004. These airports have since been managed by the Pakistan Navy under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2005, indicating a shift from civilian to military oversight. This arrangement has further complicated the prospects of reviving commercial flight operations in these areas.
Minister of State for Defence, Shaza Mansab Ali Khan, shed light on the economic challenges behind the lack of commercial flights in Balochistan. She explained that the low passenger turnout in the province makes it financially unfeasible for airlines to maintain regular services. This economic reality poses a significant barrier to improving connectivity and accessibility for the residents of Balochistan.
During the session, the dissatisfaction among Balochistan senators was palpable, with one member actively protesting the current state of affairs. In response, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar assured the house that a meeting would be convened between the senators and the management of Pakistan International Airlines. The goal of this meeting would be to discuss viable solutions to reinstate and enhance flight operations in the province, aiming to address both the economic and logistical challenges involved.
This development underscores the broader implications of the fake pilot license scandal on Pakistan’s national carrier and the aviation sector at large. The scandal not only inflicted a massive financial loss on PIA but also indirectly contributed to the disruption of air services in remote and underserved regions like Balochistan. As the Senate pushes for accountability and reform, the future of Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure remains a critical issue demanding urgent attention and strategic planning.
