PIA facing deficit of Rs. 76.54 bln, NA told

ISLAMABAD : Federal Defence Minister Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar has said that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was facing financial deficit of Rs. 76.54 billion.

Talking during the question hour in NA Session on Saturday, the federal minister held responsible, Devaluation of the rupee against the dollar, increase in oil prices, restrictions by European Union and increase in the expenditures for financial deficit of PIA.

The minister informed the Lower House that 3 planes of National Airlines have been grounded after completing their life however no plans are under consideration to buy new planes.

In response to a demand made by the ANP members for changing of name of Peshawar Airport Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar said that Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has no authority to change the name of Peshawar Airport to Bacha Khan and only the NWFP Government can take decision in this regard, adding the Parliamentary Committee can take decision to change the name of NWFP.

Federal minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan responding to questions during Question hour said that Majority of missing persons have been recovered and he is taking personal interest in the issue.

He said that several measures are being taken to ensure protection of women and in this regard legislation has also been made.