KARACHI: The leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Labor Division and the People’s Unity of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have announced plans to challenge the proposed privatization of the national airline, warning that they may approach international legal forums if their concerns are not addressed.
Furthermore, the announcement was made during a joint press conference at the Karachi Press Club by Central President of People’s Unity of PIA Employees Hidayatullah Khan, PPP Labor Division In-Charge Chaudhry Manzoor, and Sindh Labor Division President Habibuddin Junaidi.
In this regard, Hidayatullah Khan said that PIA was being privatized under a “well-thought-out plan” without adequately considering the interests of employees. He stated that the employees’ union had formally applied to participate in the bidding process, but their request was rejected without any transparent evaluation.
He warned that if the process continued in this manner, the union would seek legal recourse through the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and approach the International Court of Justice.
“We demand clear and written assurances that the salaries, pensions, and other benefits of current and retired employees will be fully protected,” he said.
Moreover, Hidayatullah Khan further announced that PIA employees would begin symbolic protests starting Tuesday, consisting of one-hour demonstrations. He added that the scope of the protest would be expanded on December 23.
In this sense, he said the employees remained committed to peaceful protest and had no intention of violating laws related to essential services. However, he urged the government to recognize the serious concerns of thousands of workers whose livelihoods were at stake.
In addition, the PPP Labor Division leader Chaudhry Manzoor strongly criticized the privatization plan, calling it illegal and unconstitutional. He said the proposed privatization, reportedly scheduled for December 23, was not a solution to PIA’s challenges.
“The real solution lies in expanding the airline’s fleet by inducting new aircraft, not selling the national carrier,” he said.
He alleged that after a previous failed attempt, laws were being reshaped to facilitate the sale of PIA at undervalued prices to favored individuals. He also claimed that despite being a legally recognized entity, the People’s Unity of PIA was deliberately excluded from the privatization process.
