London, November 2, 2024- Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif disclosed that his daughter, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, proposed acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and rebranding it as “Air Punjab.”
During a discussion with party supporters in New York, Nawaz shared, “Maryam suggested we buy PIA and transform it into ‘Air Punjab’ to create the best airline.” He mentioned advising Maryam to consider launching a new airline capable of serving global destinations, hinting that discussion on the matter had taken place. “She envisioned acquiring PIA and establishing a fresh airline with new planes,” he said.
Nawaz further explained, “I told Maryam to consult on the idea and explore buying PIA while also creating a new airline. Air Punjab could connect Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi to cities like New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. I believe conversations are ongoing about this.”
He also expressed sorrow over the decline of PIA, attributing part of the airline’s troubles to statements made by former aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar during Imran Khan’s tenure, which suggested PIA pilots lacked proper licenses. Nawaz lamented, “That caused immense damage. Even if it were true, making such statements publicly was unjustified.”
Nawaz noted the current state of PIA had forced him to change flights on his recent visit to the US, highlighting his deep disappointment in the national carrier’s decline.
This announcement came shortly after the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government expressed interest in purchasing PIA, submitting a bid exceeding Rs10 billion.
