- Semi-privatising may prevent regional favouritism, helping the Pakistan flag-carrier airline remain a shared symbol
The privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has become a contentious topic, sparking debates across the political landscape. As Pakistan’s national carrier, PIA holds deep symbolic significance, often viewed as more than just an airline but as a shared emblem of Pakistan’s identity. This makes its future a subject of national interest and has understandably attracted a variety of stakeholders. Several potential buyers have expressed interest, including private entities, but recent developments indicate that the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab are also vying for ownership. This situation has set the stage for a political struggle that, if left unchecked, could deepen existing provincial divisions and impact the already fragile interprovincial harmony in Pakistan.
The crux of the issue lies in interprovincial relations within Pakistan, which are currently marked by a significant lack of unity. Each province is led by its respective ruling party, and these parties often have conflicting agendas and priorities. As a result, political differences at the provincial level have given rise to increasing hostility and mistrust. In this context, a rivalry over PIA’s ownership adds a new layer to these divisions, transforming an economic transaction into a potential trigger for discord among provinces. The possibility of one province gaining control over PIA raises concerns that the airline could become an instrument of regional influence or favoritism, further polarising Pakistan’s political landscape.
The national unity of Pakistan is already under strain due to several factors, including economic challenges, social disparities, and divergent political visions held by provincial governments. When regional identities become entangled with political ambitions, it becomes challenging to maintain a sense of shared purpose and cohesion.
The acquisition of PIA by one province could exacerbate these existing issues, creating resentment among other provinces that feel excluded from benefiting from this national asset. Such a situation could fuel interprovincial grievances, as people in other regions may perceive that one province’s priorities are being placed above the collective interests of the nation. In a country that already grapples with regional and ethnic differences, allowing one province to control a national symbol could be seen as favoritism, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens the unity of Pakistan.
Semi-privatisation approach
Given the national importance of PIA, outright privatisation or sole provincial ownership may not be the best solution. Instead, a semi-privatisation model could offer a balanced path forward. Semi-privatisation involves selling a portion of the airline to private investors while retaining government ownership of the remaining shares. This model could address PIA’s financial and operational challenges by bringing in private sector expertise, capital, and efficient management practices. At the same time, partial government ownership would ensure that PIA remains accountable to the public and continues to reflect Pakistan’s collective identity.
By adopting a semi-privatisation approach, Pakistan can achieve several objectives. Firstly, this model could help depoliticise PIA’s management, as private investors would bring a profit-driven perspective focused on efficiency and customer service rather than political objectives. This would reduce the influence of provincial politics on PIA’s operations, allowing it to function as a commercially viable entity rather than a political asset. Secondly, semi-privatisation would introduce financial discipline, as private shareholders would demand a return on their investment, pushing PIA to streamline its operations and reduce inefficiencies. This would not only improve service quality but also help the airline achieve long-term sustainability, addressing years of financial mismanagement and poor performance.
Moreover, semi-privatisation would help PIA maintain its role as a unifying symbol of Pakistan. As a partially state-owned entity, PIA would continue to embody the spirit of Pakistan, representing the nation’s identity and heritage. The government could still influence policies that serve broader public interests, such as providing affordable domestic routes or maintaining cultural representation in branding and service. This dual structure would allow PIA to function efficiently and commercially, without losing sight of its symbolic significance.
Adopting semi-privatisation would also prevent the airline from becoming a source of provincial discord. Rather than one province claiming exclusive control, PIA could remain under the shared ownership of the nation, with private shareholders and the government jointly overseeing its operations. This approach would reduce the likelihood of interprovincial grievances, as no single province would have monopolistic control over the airline. Such a model would demonstrate a commitment to national unity, acknowledging that PIA serves all Pakistanis equally.
Furthermore, semi-privatisation could open the door to broader cooperation among provinces. With private investors involved and a central regulatory framework in place, provinces could collaborate to improve regional connectivity, using PIA to promote tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange across Pakistan. This would not only enhance economic opportunities for each province but also promote a sense of shared identity and purpose. In a country as diverse as Pakistan, finding areas of cooperation is essential for strengthening interprovincial relationships, and PIA could become a platform for fostering greater national unity.
In conclusion, while PIA faces substantial financial and operational challenges, the solution to its problems should not come at the cost of national cohesion. Privatisation in a way that grants control to any one province risks turning the airline into a political tool, escalating interprovincial rivalry and compromising Pakistan’s unity. Semi-privatisation, however, offers a balanced solution, allowing PIA to improve its financial performance and service quality without alienating any region. This model respects the symbolic value of PIA as a national institution, ensuring that it continues to serve as a source of pride and unity for all Pakistanis. Through semi-privatisation, Pakistan can not only address the airline’s economic difficulties but also uphold its commitment to interprovincial harmony and national solidarity.
The writer is a student at the University of Sargodha. He can be approached at azamtariqalihaider@gmail.com