The incumbent federal minister for Aviation & Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique, has categorically denied all reports of PIA becoming a part of Qatar Airways. He said that all such reports are fake and baseless and that PIA was never a part of the Doha talks.
Khawaja Saad Rafique Calls Out a Local Publication for Publishing Fake News
While replying to a comment on a Facebook post made by a news blog regarding PIA becoming a part of Qatar Airways, Saad Rafique said; “Totally fake and baseless news. Have some shame” he also advised the blog to speak the truth rather than spread lies as ‘PIA was not a part of agenda during Doha Visit’ He also used a very common line used in the media fraternity, ‘Such bol Kar geo’
According to the local publication; “Pakistan is likely to receive an unusual package from Qatar, under which Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) could become a part of Qatar Airways in an overall investment package that could reach $5 billion.” The blog’s sources claimed that Pakistan and Qatar will sign an agreement on the airports of Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad after making PIA a part of Qatar Airways. Previously, Saad Rafique has also denied rumors about the sale of Pakistan’s airports to Qatar. The minister said; “Airports will 100% remain under Pakistan’s ownership. The government wants to upgrade its airports and no offer has been made to sell shares of the airport.”
Qatari Envoy calls on Aviation minister
Recently, Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani called on Khawaja Saad Rafique to discuss ways to strengthen the existing cooperation and partnership in the aviation sector. The federal minister said that an improved air transport system was vital for economic development. He further mentioned; “We are striving to strengthen and improve the air transportation system to achieve the object of economic growth.”
Also read: Government Plans to Offer Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to Qatar
