Open skies policy behind PIA\'s decline

A parliamentary fact-finding committee has found that the decision to allow Gulf airlines to expand their operations was the main cause behind the downfall of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as these airlines carried passengers beyond the intended scope of their bilateral service agreements. Due to the Open Sky Policy, PIA's market share decreased from 50% to 20%. Constant management changes, often resulting in the appointment of inexperienced individuals, also contributed to the airline's downfall, according to a report submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatisation. The committee also recommended setting up an Inquiry Commission to investigate former Aviation Minister Chaudhry Ghulam Sarwar, whose "irrational statement caused $600 million in losses to PIA over four years."