Islamabad, June 4, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence on Thursday held a key meeting at Parliament House to review important issues related to Pakistan’s aviation sector, including proposed legislation concerning Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), domestic airfare structures, and plans to expand regional flight operations.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood and attended by Senators Farooq H. Naek, Saleem Mandviwala, and Umer Farooq, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and other relevant departments.
A major focus of the meeting was the detailed examination of a proposed legislative amendment seeking to repeal the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Act, 2016.
Committee members were informed that only Section 7(a) of the existing law would be retained under the proposed framework. Senators raised serious concerns regarding the completeness of the proposed repeal and stressed the need for a comprehensive legal structure before any decision is finalized.
Senators Farooq Naek and Saleem Mandviwala questioned the rationale behind the proposed changes and emphasized that any new legislation must provide clear legal protections for existing PIA employees.
The committee expressed strong reservations over any measures that could negatively affect workers and directed authorities to submit all relevant documents for detailed scrutiny at the next meeting.
Members also warned against rushing the legislative process and strongly opposed any proposal to relocate PIA headquarters. While reaffirming support for government reform efforts, the committee maintained that employee welfare must remain the foremost consideration.
The committee also received a briefing from South Air regarding a feasibility plan aimed at expanding regional air connectivity.
According to the briefing, the airline has entered into an understanding with the government to launch flight operations in southern regions of Pakistan, including routes to Gilgit and from Chitral.
Committee members welcomed the initiative, noting that increased competition among airlines would help create a more business-friendly aviation environment and improve connectivity for underserved regions.
The committee directed aviation authorities to focus on upgrading facilities at smaller airports to accommodate new operations and requested that the formal agreement between South Air, the government, and the privatization authorities be presented at the next meeting.
The issue of domestic airfare, particularly ticket prices on routes to Quetta, also came under discussion.
PIA officials briefed lawmakers on the airline’s dynamic pricing model, explaining that fares for Quetta-bound flights in July 2025 ranged from Rs19,700 to Rs53,095, inclusive of taxes. According to the airline, a significant number of seats were available at lower fare levels, while the average fare stood at approximately Rs24,520.
PIA maintained that its pricing structure was necessary to ensure commercial sustainability. However, committee members stressed that improving affordability for passengers should remain a key priority and directed authorities to continue exploring measures to reduce travel costs for the public.
The committee concluded by reiterating its commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s aviation sector through balanced reforms, enhanced regional connectivity, and policies that safeguard both public interests and employee rights.
