PIA Union announces to close ticket booking offices as protest of privatization

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ticket booking offices will remain closed to the public for a period of two hours today (Thursday) as a protest against the impending privatization, announced by the PIA union.

Rana Kashif, the union’s secretary general, disclosed that this organized closure will be observed across PIA booking outlets nationwide from 3 pm to 5 pm. The primary objective behind this action is to express their opposition to the proposed privatization of the national carrier.

During this temporary suspension, passenger ticket issuance will be halted, Rana Kashif stated, emphasizing that this move aligns with their set of demands.

Meanwhile, the Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to both the PIA administration and the interim government, urging them to halt the pursuit of PIA’s privatization.

The union underscored that if their demands are not addressed, consequential decisions will be made the following day, Friday.

The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) greenlit the privatization of PIA during a meeting presided over by the then Finance Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar. This resolution has sparked considerable unrest among PIA employees, leading to these demonstrations.

Earlier, the Riyadh Airport Authority (RAA) has issued a final warning to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) regarding their outstanding dues. PIA has been given until July 15 to settle the amount of 8.2 million riyals.

Failure to make the payment by the deadline could have repercussions on PIA’s winter flight schedule, as cautioned by the RAA. Furthermore, PIA has also received a warning for non-payment of liabilities from the Jeddah Airport. A spokesperson for PIA acknowledged the reminder of dues from the RAA and assured that the airline is in the process of making the payment, aiming to resolve the issue promptly.