Now on whose trust will ‘measure the sky’ Munir and Shahbaz, but the pressure of IMF has cut them to shreds; PIA got auctioned

Government of Pakistan Airlines PIA The auction has taken place. Arif Habib Group has bought its 75% stake. If this is considered a shock for Pakistan, then it is even more bad news for its rulers. PIA was the only support for its rulers who visited Saudi Arabia and America on small matters, to fly whenever they want. But now that it has become private, questions are being raised that how will Shahbaz Sharif and Munir travel abroad now. Because traveling by private plane does not seem to be within the reach of poor Pakistan.

The neighbor who compares India for everything cannot do the same in this matter because in India, like America and some other powerful countries, there is a dedicated service like Air India One for the travels of the President, Prime Minister and others, but what about Pakistan, there is also shortage of food there.

Read now on WhatsApp also, click to subscribe

How will Munir and Shahbaz fly now?

After the privatization of PIA, the biggest question is how the top figures of Pakistan’s power will travel abroad. Till now, the government airline Pakistan International Airlines was a kind of “ready facility” for the ruling class, with aircraft available whenever they wanted. After going into private hands, this facility will not be the same as before, because every flight will now be bound by contract, fare and commercial conditions.

This situation is also uncomfortable for Army Chief Asim Munir because the Army considers itself the most powerful institution in the state. But in times of economic crisis, affording expensive charter flights is not only difficult, but will also invite political and public criticism. Now “logistics” can also become a strategic issue during military tours.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faces a double challenge. On one hand, they are calling privatization a symbol of reform, on the other hand, the question of expenditure on every foreign trip will arise when the country is struggling with debt, inflation and IMF pressure. Overall, now the flights of Munir and Shahbaz will not only be in the sky, but will also be on the radar of domestic politics and economic debate.

Privatization or forced deal?

Selling 75% of Pakistan’s government airline Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to Arif Habib Group is not just a business decision but also a compulsion of the poor economy. This deal of Rs 135 billion shows that debt, deficit and mismanagement have forced Pakistan to sell even the institutions related to its national identity. The question is, is this the beginning of reform or just another attempt to put out the fire?

old support of power and facilities

PIA was not just an airline, but it was used as a “government taxi” in the corridors of power. Foreign tour whenever you want, special flight whenever you want. Especially for countries like Saudi Arabia and America. Now after privatization, will the same facility continue in the same manner, or will the new management conditions prove to be uncomfortable for the government?

Questions raised on Shahbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described this deal as the biggest and transparent transaction in the history of Pakistan, but the real question is related to his foreign policy and travels. Will private PIA provide similar special flights to the Prime Minister? Or would it be possible to afford a private charter in a poor economy? This privatization can have a direct impact on the convenient diplomacy of the Shahbaz government.

Asim Munir and the role of army

In Pakistan, the army is not just a security force but a strong pillar of power. Army Chief Asim Munir’s foreign trips are considered both strategic and political. In such a situation, the question arises whether the private airline will accept the same priority and control for the army? Or will the army also have to face shortage of resources?

Why is comparison not possible with India?

Pakistan, which compares with India on every issue, finds itself in an uncomfortable situation here. India has dedicated services like Air India One for the visits of the President and the Prime Minister. Pakistan does not have any such permanent and secure structure. In such a situation, privatization of PIA further highlights this difference.

Investment conditions and government burden

The government itself took over PIA’s liabilities of Rs 654 billion and set a condition for the investor to invest Rs 80 billion in the next five years. This shows that even before selling the airline, the government had to pay a heavy price. Privatization brought immediate relief, but long-term improvement is still uncertain.

Hope for improvement or concern for power?

If private management brings PIA into profit, it could be a sign of economic recovery. But if the ruling establishment keeps trying to preserve its old privileges, then conflict is certain. This deal is actually a warning to the rulers of Pakistan that the economic crisis is now directly affecting their lifestyle and diplomacy.

mirror of economic reality

Privatization of PIA is a mirror of the economic reality of Pakistan. The question is not just about the airline, but about the system which has been based on privileges for years. Now it remains to be seen how Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir adapt to this new era, or whether this deal proves to be the biggest blow to their powers.