Fida Hussnain
The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) senior leader opposed implementation of Essential Services Act (ESA), in Pakistan International Airline, saying that “it is not privatization rather self-purchasing of the institution,”.
“The government is frightened by a press conference that it enforced the Essential Services Act (ESA) in the PIA,” said ChaudharyManzoor Ahmad, the PPP Central Executive Committee Member and Peoples’ Labour Bureau Incharge. ChaudharyManzoor Ahmad said, “We condemn the imposition this martial law of implementation of Essential Services Act (ESA) in the PIA,”.
The PPP is the close ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, and it has expressed its opposition regarding the developments about the national flag carrier for the first time since they started. The reaction came when an important meeting of the Privatization Commission is due on Sunday (today) to advance the PIA privatization process.
The sources said that eight companies expressed interest in acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The meeting is a significant step forward, as eight local and international companies showed interest in purchasing PIA. Among these companies are Fly Jinnah, Airblue Limited, ArifHabib Corporation Limited, and Jerry’s International Private Limited, said the sources. They said that from the eight interested parties, four would be shortlisted and invited to submit their business plans and offers. Additionally, Sardar Ashraf D. Baloch Company will participate in the bidding process in partnership with SHANXI CIG Company Limited from China.
PPP leader ChaudharyManzoor Ahmad strongly condemned the act and demanded its immediate repeal.