ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - The Senate was informed that due to the fake pilot license scandal, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suffered an estimated revenue loss of nearly Rs200 billion from August 2020 to December 2024, spanning five years.
During the Question Hour session, the Ministry of Defence submitted a written reply stating that senators from Balochistan staged a protest over inactive airports and absence of flight operations in the province.
It was revealed that Balochistan has 11 airports, of which only three are currently operational — Quetta, Gwadar and Turbat airports.
Dalbandin Airport does not have a runway.
The ministry further informed that Zhob, Pasni and Panjgur airports are operational but remain closed due to suspension of flight operations. Similarly, Khuzdar and Sibi airports are shut owing to lack of flights.
Ormara and Jiwani airports have been closed since 2004, while since 2005, the Pakistan Navy has been managing them under a memorandum of understanding.
Minister of State Shaza Mansab Ali Khan stated that commercial flights in Balochistan are not viable due to low passenger numbers.
During the session, a senator from Balochistan protested, upon which Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that a meeting would be arranged between senators and the management of Pakistan International Airlines to find a solution regarding flight operations in the province.