Islamabad: Former Federal Minister for Privatization, Fawad Hasan Fawad, has alleged that the privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was fully prepared but was deliberately derailed by the current government.
Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Fawad emphasized the need for a government that believes in minimal intervention. He stated that privatization requires clear objectives and a strong narrative, which he believes is currently lacking.
Expressing astonishment, Fawad noted that in no other country does the Foreign Minister head a privatization committee, as is the case in Pakistan. He criticized the Prime Minister’s belief in an overbearing government, saying it complicates issues further.
Questionable Decisions in PIA Privatization
Fawad revealed that during the privatization process, eight major groups were overlooked in favor of a consortium with no experience in the transport or communication sectors. He argued that such decisions undermine the credibility and effectiveness of privatization efforts.
Concerns About Governance and Foreign Relations
He criticized Pakistan’s reliance on external powers, saying the country is caught between seeking aid from the U.S. and looking toward other nations for financial relief. He remarked that neither the U.S., Europe, nor China is concerned about Pakistan’s human rights situation, adding that the nation’s current trajectory has reached a dangerously complex state.
Fawad dismissed the notion that constitutional amendments alone could resolve the country’s challenges. He warned against tampering with the constitution, calling it a “flawed approach.”
Governance Challenges
He emphasized that a nation of 250 million cannot be managed by a single Prime Minister or institution. Instead, he called for a more robust and decentralized governance model to address the country’s multifaceted issues effectively.
