Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reinforced his commitment to acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), asserting that the provincial government is ready to pursue this goal regardless of the challenges. He noted that KP currently owns two helicopters and reiterated the government’s readiness to go “to any length” to complete the PIA acquisition, while also confirming that the airline would retain its original name.
Gandapur further alleged that the Sharif family is covertly attempting to acquire PIA, claiming, “The cat is out of the bag.” He emphasized KP’s robust financial standing, citing a surplus budget and full revenue collection as indicators of the province’s ability to take on the national airline.
Looking forward, Gandapur announced an upcoming large gathering in Swabi on November 9th, where a formal resolution on the acquisition will be presented. He added that this event would signal KP’s definitive stance on the matter, describing it as a one-time, decisive action.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Azma Bukhari, refuted claims that her province intended to purchase PIA. She clarified that discussions only involved the regional airline, Air Punjab, not PIA.
Bukhari questioned KP’s capacity to purchase PIA, pointing out that KP faces significant debt challenges. “It’s strange that a debt-ridden province wants to buy PIA. We’re talking about airplanes, not other assets, and they still owe payments to other institutions,” she remarked.
Bukhari also highlighted Punjab’s efforts to tackle air pollution, mentioning that Lahore currently ranks as the world’s second-most polluted city after Delhi.
