Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has recorded a significant financial achievement, reporting an operating profit of 9.3 billion rupees and a net profit of 26.2 billion rupees, marking the first time in more than two decades that the airline has seen such results.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with this development, describing it as a major turnaround for the national carrier. In a post on his official X handle, he commended the airline’s progress after years of financial struggles.

The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Minister for Defence, Khawaja Asif, and his team in the aviation sector for their role in this achievement. He acknowledged the comprehensive reforms undertaken by the government as a contributing factor to the airline’s improved financial standing.

Khawaja Asif, in his own statement on X, attributed the success to the government’s rigorous steps and comprehensive reforms. These measures included cost and workforce rationalization, routes optimization, and strict financial discipline.

Asif further highlighted that PIA is now well-positioned to enhance its financial performance through an upcoming privatization process, building on the recent success to ensure sustainable growth and efficiency.

The announcement underscores a renewed focus on the operational and financial restructuring of PIA, reflecting an optimistic outlook for the airline’s future.