Press Release Title: Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 3rd June, 2026

Senate Defence Committee Reviews Key Aviation Sector Legislation and Operational Matters   The Senate Standing Committee on Defence held a significant meeting on June 3rd, 2026, at Parliament House, to address critical issues concerning the national aviation sector. The comprehensive agenda included a detailed review of proposed legislation for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), inquiries into domestic airfare structures, and strategic updates on regional flight operations. Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood chaired the meeting and attended by Senators Farooq Hamid Naek, Saleem Mandviwala, Umer Farooq and Secretary M/o Defence along with other senior Officials.   A primary focus of the session was the detailed consideration of a proposed legislative amendment, identifiable, seeking to repeal the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Act, 2016. Senator Farooq Naek and Senator Mandviwalla scrutinization the rationale behind this move. The committee was briefed that only section 7(a) of the original act would be retained. Senators expressed significant reservations regarding the completeness of the proposed repeal ordinance, highlighting the need for a comprehensive valid legal framework, reveal deep concern about the potential negative impact on existing employees, with members insisting that any new legislation must provide concrete guarantees to protect their rights and jobs. The committee firmly directed that all relevant documents must be submitted for thorough review in the next meeting, explicitly stating  that authorities must not rush the passage of this bill and strongly condemning any proposals for shifting the PIA Headquarters. The committee re-affirmed its commitment to supporting government reforms but made clear that employee welfare remains the absolute top priority. Further demonstrating its focus on enhancing accessibility and competition, the committee received a briefing from South Air regarding a new feasibility plan. Meeting records shows that this private airline has entered into a mutual understanding with the government to commence flights in the southern regions of Pakistan, including flights to Gilgat and from Chitral. The committee welcomed this development, emphasizing that increased competition among multiple companies will promote a more business-friendly environment in Pakistan. Members specifically directed Aviation Authorities to focus on small airport facilities to ensure they are equipped for new operations, and also requested the formal agreement with SPSA and the Government/Privatization Commission to be presented at the next meeting.    Finally, the committee addressed the vital issue of domestic airfare, specifically a point of public importance regarding high prices for flights to Quetta. Detailed responses from PIA, outlined the airline’s utilization of dynamic pricing and segmentation strategies. PIA reported that for July 2025, Quetta-bound fares started at PKR 19,700 and peaked at PKR 53,095, including taxes, with a significant number of seats available at lower fare levels and an average fare of PKR 24,520, present PIA's position that these competitive structures are essential for commercial sustainability, the committee remained clear in its directive that optimizing affordability for the traveling public is crucial.