The recent announcement by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif about potentially launching a new airline, “Air Punjab,” or acquiring the struggling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has stirred discussions across the country. With Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, reportedly considering this venture, questions arise: Why has the PML-N suddenly taken an interest in reviving PIA? And, more importantly, why wasn’t PIA prioritized during their numerous terms in power?
PML-N’s Tenure and PIA’s Downfall
PIA’s decline is not recent. Once a renowned airline, PIA’s reputation deteriorated over decades due to mismanagement, mounting debt, and controversies—many of which unfolded during PML-N’s previous terms. Given PML-N’s historic governance of Pakistan, it’s worth questioning why PIA didn’t receive the revitalization it desperately needed while they were in power.
During PML-N’s multiple terms, the airline continued to struggle under heavy debt and a bloated workforce. Financial inefficiencies, fleet mismanagement, and a lack of investment in infrastructure led to service issues and public distrust. While PML-N spearheaded many national projects over the years, efforts to address PIA’s structural problems were conspicuously absent.
The Timing of Air Punjab: Why Now?
Maryam Nawaz’s proposal to purchase PIA or launch “Air Punjab” brings up important questions. If revitalizing Pakistan’s aviation industry is a priority now, why wasn’t it before? Here are some possible reasons:
Market Opportunity Amid Privatization: As the government has recently moved to privatize PIA, the PML-N might see this as a strategic opportunity to take control of the airline at a time when its value is significantly lower. A single bid of Rs10 billion—far below the government’s Rs85 billion expectation—has highlighted PIA’s devaluation, making it potentially more feasible for interested parties, like the PML-N, to consider acquisition.
Political Gains: With Maryam Nawaz holding a prominent position in Punjab, the acquisition of PIA, or launching a new airline branded as “Air Punjab,” could yield significant political leverage. By positioning “Air Punjab” as a regional airline serving major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar, the PML-N may aim to appeal to regional pride and consolidate support in Punjab.
Direct Oversight and Brand Revival: By proposing an entirely new airline under her leadership, Maryam Nawaz may believe she can sidestep the administrative baggage PIA carries. A new airline would allow PML-N to establish a fresh brand and avoid some of the public distrust surrounding PIA, particularly regarding recent controversies over pilot licensing and safety concerns.
PIA’s Decline: Missed Opportunities Under PML-N
The question remains: if PML-N is now focused on reviving PIA or creating “Air Punjab,” why were these measures not prioritized during their previous terms? Several reasons highlight missed opportunities:
Lack of Strategic Focus: PIA faced mismanagement issues over multiple administrations, and PML-N’s governance was no exception. Investments in technology, fleet upgrades, and restructuring initiatives were either minimal or delayed. Instead of focusing on restoring PIA’s financial health, resources were diverted to other projects.
Political Influence on PIA: PIA has often been subject to political appointments and influences, leading to inefficiency and low morale within the organization. By maintaining a large, unmanageable workforce and overlooking the airline’s operational inefficiencies, successive governments, including PML-N, missed the chance to create a profitable, competitive airline.
Shift in Priorities: During their tenures, the PML-N invested heavily in infrastructure projects like motorways and public transit systems, which garnered immediate public visibility and support. Addressing PIA’s deeply embedded issues may have been seen as a less rewarding venture, given the long-term commitment required to turn it around.
Future of “Air Punjab”: Challenges and Considerations
If the PML-N moves forward with either acquiring PIA or launching “Air Punjab,” there are several considerations that could determine the venture’s success or failure:
Financial Viability and IMF Scrutiny: PIA’s massive debt poses a serious challenge, particularly with IMF scrutiny over government spending. Establishing a new airline from scratch or taking on PIA’s debt-laden structure would require extensive financial planning and public transparency to avoid further economic strain.
Reputation and Trust: PIA’s reputation is damaged, partly due to controversies like the pilot license scandal. For “Air Punjab” to succeed, the airline would need to prioritize safety, service, and operational efficiency to regain both national and international trust.
Operational and Managerial Independence: To avoid PIA’s fate, “Air Punjab” would need to operate with strict professionalism, free from political interference. The airline’s long-term success will hinge on management practices that emphasize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customer service.
Conclusion: A Vision That Needs Action
Maryam Nawaz’s interest in “Air Punjab” reflects a possible vision for Pakistan’s aviation industry, but one that could have been initiated much earlier. PIA’s downfall has been gradual and multi-faceted, and while the PML-N now seems motivated to tackle it, the missed opportunities over the years cannot be overlooked. Moving forward, if the PML-N truly seeks to contribute to Pakistan’s aviation revival, it will need to break away from past practices, focusing instead on sustainable management and growth strategies.
Ultimately, the success of “Air Punjab”—whether as a rebranded PIA or a new airline—will depend on a clear, committed approach that prioritizes operational independence, transparent governance, and a genuine focus on Pakistan’s aviation future.
