On Wednesday, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari spoke against the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), advocating for a public-private partnership instead. He highlighted the historical reluctance of past governments to privatize the flag carrier due to potential unpopularity but acknowledged that privatization could facilitate further financial discussions with the IMF.
A government privatization panel recently advertised a May 3 deadline to submit interest in acquiring PIA, which is currently burdened with significant debt.
During a Labour Day event in Karachi, Bilawal urged the finance minister to consider a public-private partnership for PIA, stating, “Finance minister approves of public-private partnership; we urge him not to privatise PIA and revive it under this model.”
Bilawal also addressed the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) situation, asserting the Sindh government’s land ownership and proposing that if the federal government cannot manage the revival, it should transfer control to the Sindh government for operation under a public-private partnership.
He expressed hope that the Sindh and Balochistan governments would raise wages, adding that he expects the same from the federal government.
“The PPP’s philosophy is straightforward: workers deserve rewards for their hard work,” Bilawal stated. He shared his Labour Day celebration sentiments: “I am celebrating with my worker brothers and sisters. The world economy depends on their hard work, while the elite benefit financially.”
He also recalled former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s contributions to workers’ rights, including constitutional recognition and the right to unionize.
Lastly, Bilawal highlighted Sindh’s proactive stance on workers’ rights through legislation, asserting, “The Sindh government has passed laws favouring workers’ rights; no province can match our efforts in this area.”
