PM for expediting PIA privatization process

F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar on Thursday directed Caretaker Minister for Privatization Fawad Hasan Fawad to oversee the process of privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and complete it on a fast track basis.
Chairing a meeting on matters related to PIA, the prime minister said process needed to be expedited urgently so as to provide a reliable service to the users and to raise the standards of the national flag carrier to match the global airline standards.
He directed all the relevant stakeholders to find an immediate solution to the matters related to the privatization. During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the progress of the privatization process of PIA. He also welcomed the new caretaker privatization minister Fawad Hasan Fawad to his team.
Meanwhile, Caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ijaz called on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakarand discussed matters relating to mutual interests. During the meeting, the commerce minister briefed the prime minister about measures being taken to promote the country’s exports. The prime minister directed to finalize the measures with respect to access of the domestic products to the international markets in specified period.
Meanwhile, the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed the government’s resolve to take stern action against all those involved in smuggling and illicit trade.
He said the officials and political personalities involved in smuggling and illegal trade activities have been identified at federal and provincial level. The Prime Minister said the relevant authorities are securing evidences against them which would be produced before the courts of law and lead to their conviction.
He said a number of bureaucrats and political figures are involved in the Iranian oil smuggling issue. About a question regarding illegal trade of dollar, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said it has been stopped through stringent measures and enforcement of contemporary laws. He expressed the optimism that Pakistani rupee would be further strengthened. About holding of elections in the country, the Prime Minister opined that the polls can be held in mid or by the end of January next year. However, he said it is upto the Election Commission of Pakistan to take a decision in this regard.