Sindh CM Supports PIA Privatization but Voices Concerns Over Employees’ Rights

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday said that privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is a positive step in principle, but it carries certain concerns, particularly regarding the protection of employees’ interests.
Talking to media after paying respects at Mazar-e-Quaid, the chief minister emphasized that the rights and benefits of PIA employees must be safeguarded in any privatization process. Responding to a question, he also stated that Pakistan Steel Mills land belongs to Sindh and would ultimately return to the province.
Murad Ali Shah said it was an honor to visit the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, adding that the founder of the nation’s principles of equality and rule of law continue to guide Pakistan. He extended Christmas greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world.
The Sindh chief minister noted that the world is moving towards a new year, saying Pakistan is entering 2026 after achieving successes in 2025. He urged the government to adopt Quaid-e-Azam’s principles and pay tribute to all those who played a role in the creation of Pakistan. He also highlighted that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto made Pakistan a nuclear power.
Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to the President, Prime Minister, and Chief of Defence Forces, and said Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is the guarantor of the country’s future. He stressed the need for national unity for the betterment of the country.
He claimed that India faced a clear defeat on the battlefield as well as on diplomatic and political fronts, adding that Indian propaganda was also effectively countered.
Commenting on regional and global issues, the chief minister said Kashmiris have made immense sacrifices for their right to self-determination, while thousands of Palestinians were martyred due to Israeli aggression. He expressed regret that the Muslim Ummah could not stop the aggression and called for unity among Muslim countries.
Highlighting development initiatives in Sindh, Murad Ali Shah said electricity would be generated from the province’s own coal resources and a technology park is being established at NED University.