(Web Desk) – Pakistan’s Senate was informed on Wednesday that the fake pilot licence scandal cost Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) an estimated Rs200 billion ($715 million approx.) in revenue losses over five years, from August 2020 to December 2024.
During the Question Hour session, the Ministry of Defence submitted a written response stating that the financial losses stemmed from the fallout of the controversial pilot licence issue, which severely affected the airline’s international operations and credibility.
The disclosure came amid protests by senators from Balochistan over the suspension of flight operations and the limited functionality of airports in the province.
According to the ministry, Balochistan has 11 airports, but only three are currently operational: Quetta International Airport, Gwadar International Airport and Turbat International Airport.
Dalbandin Airport lacks a runway, while Zhob, Pasni and Panjgur airports are technically operational but remain closed due to the suspension of flight services. Khuzdar and Sibi airports are also inactive because of the absence of commercial flights.
Ormara and Jiwani airports have been closed since 2004 and, since 2005, have been managed by the Pakistan Navy under a memorandum of understanding.
Minister of State for Law and Justice Shaza Mansab Ali Khan told the Senate that commercial flight operations in Balochistan remain financially unviable due to low passenger traffic.
Following protests by a senator from Balochistan, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar assured the House that a meeting would be arranged between lawmakers and PIA management to explore possible solutions for restoring flight operations in the province.
The fake pilot licence scandal, which surfaced in 2020, triggered international scrutiny, flight bans and reputational damage to Pakistan’s aviation sector, contributing to significant operational and financial challenges for the national carrier.
