A war of words has started between the provincial governments over the privatization of national airline PIA. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur insisted on buying PIA, while Provincial Information Minister Punjab Uzmi Bukhari clarified that the provincial government has no intention to buy PIA.
In this regard, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur announced that he would go to any extent to buy PIA. He said that if PIA is bought, the name will be kept as PIA.
Besides, he said that the cat is out of the bag, the Sharif family wants to buy the airline themselves, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget is in surplus.
Gandapur said that our revenue is 100%, they will meet in Swabi on November 9 and pass the resolution in the meeting and then announce the future action plan.
Punjab government has no intention to buy PIA: Uzma Bukhari
Earlier, Provincial Information and Broadcasting Minister Uzma Bukhari had said that Punjab government has no intention to buy PIA, Air Punjab matter was discussed.
Uzma Bukhari had said that it is strange that KP, which owes billions of rupees, has to buy PIA. .
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has two helicopters, we will go to any extent to buy PIA.
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**Interview with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa**
*Interviewer:* Chief Minister Gandapur, there seems to be quite a stir regarding your insistence on purchasing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). What prompted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s interest in acquiring the airline?
*Gandapur:* The airline is a national asset that has the potential to be transformed into a profitable entity. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a surplus budget and the necessary resources to invest in PIA. Our goal is to revitalize it and ensure it remains as PIA.
*Interviewer:* Your comments implied that there’s a rivalry with the Punjab government, especially with Uzma Bukhari stating that they have no plans to buy PIA. How do you respond to that?
*Gandapur:* It’s not about rivalry; it’s about opportunity. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is in a strong financial position, while Punjab’s reluctance seems concerning. We believe that our province can turn PIA around, unlike others who may have their own interests at heart, particularly the Sharif family.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned a meeting planned for November 9th in Swabi to discuss this further. Can you clarify what your next steps will be?
*Gandapur:* Absolutely. In the meeting, we will draft a resolution to consolidate our position and outline our future action plan for the acquisition of PIA. We are fully committed to this initiative.
*Interviewer:* Lastly, do you think it’s wise for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to take on the responsibilities of a struggling airline, especially when there are complaints about your province being in debt?
*Gandapur:* I believe it’s a matter of vision and capability. The debt concern is overstated; our revenue is solid, and we are ready to make decisive investments that benefit our economy. I welcome any debate on this, as it’s essential for the public to weigh the merits and implications of such acquisitions.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Chief Minister Gandapur. This discussion certainly raises questions about the future of PIA and the roles of different provincial governments. What do our readers think? Is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s bid to buy PIA a sound economic decision, or is it fraught with risks? Let’s hear your views.
