News Detail
Event Title: Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood Chairman Senate Standing Committee On Defence Presiding Over A Meeting Of The Committee At Parliament House Islamabad.
Event Date: 2025-10-17
The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence was held today under the chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood. The Chairman welcomed Senators Saleem Mandviwalla, Atta-ul-Haq, and Anwar-ul-Haq to the meeting.
The Chairman highlighted the significance of the Defence Committee and emphasized its vital role in strengthening the country’s defence institutions. The meeting was attended by the Secretary Defence, Additional Deputy Director of the Airport Security Force (ASF), General Manager of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and other senior officers of the concerned departments.
At the outset, the Committee offered Fateha for the martyrs of the terrorist attack on security forces in Mir Ali. The Chairman paid rich tribute to the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan’s armed forces and the people of Pakistan for safeguarding the sovereignty of the country. He strongly condemned the recent cross-border terrorist activities originating from Afghanistan and stated that these hostilities are part of a larger campaign initiated by India.
During the briefing by the Secretary Defence, the Committee was informed that four companies namely Arif Habib Limited, Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Air Blue, and Lucky Group have participated in the privatization process of PIA, which is expected to be finalized at the beginning of next month. It was further informed that all participating companies have requested relaxations in the terms and conditions prescribed by the Government of Pakistan. However, the government has categorically stated that the name of the national airline will not be changed and the national flag will not be removed from the planes, ownership will remain with Pakistani nationals, and no foreign individual or entity will be allowed to participate in the bidding process as majority shareholder.
The Committee was briefed on the closure of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) services to the United Kingdom and Europe. It was informed that during the year 2018, PIA operated a total of 1,420 flights on these routes, generated revenue of Rs. 36 billion against an expenditure of Rs. 39 billion. In 2019, the airline operated 478 flights to the United Kingdom and Europe, generated revenue of Rs. 15 billion with an expenditure of Rs. 13 billion. The Committee was further informed that PIA successfully maintained its flight schedule to Europe until 2022. The Secretary Defence apprised the Committee that, apart from financial losses amounting to Rs. 13 billion, the suspension of operations to the United Kingdom and Europe has also adversely affected PIA’s goodwill and reputation at the international level.
The Chairman Committee recommended strict measures to prevent the misuse of PIA services and directed to immediately discontinue the provision of free air travel privileges. He further instructed that any unlawful union activities within PIA be dealt with in accordance under the law.
The Committee was also briefed on the functions and operations of the Airports Security Force (ASF). It was informed that 14 operational airports are provided with the services of ASF, whereas other 16 nonoperational airports also covered by the ASF, which is an extra burden over the force. The current strength of ASF comprises 10% female and 90% male personnel. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla recommended for the upgradation of the passenger and baggage screening systems at airports. The Chairman emphasized the adoption of modern technology and directed to introduce a marking system on boarding passes of suspect passengers.
The Chairman also drew attention to the weak security arrangements at smaller airports, particularly in Peshawar and Balochistan, and stressed the need for immediate improvements.
The Committee further discussed the issue of the non-provision of PIA services at Chitral Airport. The Chairman underscored the strategic importance of Chitral, which connects Pakistan to sensitive border regions and can potentially provide access to Central Asian countries through Tajikistan if a connecting tunnel is constructed. The Chairman directed the concerned authorities to ensure the immediate resumption of PIA services at Chitral Airport and strongly recommended that at least one flight be arranged at the earliest. He further instructed that a compliance report be submitted to the Committee within seven days.
Senator Talha Mahmood also expressed concern over the deteriorated condition of access roads leading to Mastuj, Broghil, Shah Saleem, and Bumburet, noting that these areas hold vital importance for the defence and security of Pakistan.