Fake Pilot License Scandal Cost PIA Nearly Rs200 Billion in Five Years, Senate Told
In Islamabad, the Senate of Pakistan was informed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faced an estimated revenue loss of nearly Rs200 billion from August 2020 to December 2024 due to the fake pilot license scandal.
During question hour, the Ministry of Defence submitted a written reply stating that senators from Balochistan had protested the inactivity of airports and lack of flights in the province. Out of 11 airports in Balochistan, only three — Quetta, Gwadar, and Turbat — are operational. Dalbandin Airport lacks a runway.
Other airports including Zhob, Pasni, and Panjgur are technically operational but remain closed due to absence of flight operations. Similarly, flights do not operate at Khuzdar and Sibi airports. Umar and Jiwani airports have been closed since 2004, with management taken over by the Pakistan Navy under a memorandum of understanding since 2005.
The Minister of State, Shizra Mansab, explained that commercial flights in Balochistan are not feasible due to low passenger numbers. During the discussion, a Balochistan senator protested, after which Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar suggested arranging a meeting between senators and PIA management to seek solutions for Balochistan’s flight issues.
