Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence convened at Parliament House to deliberate on pressing aviation sector issues, including a proposed legislative amendment concerning Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), domestic airfare structures, and regional flight operations.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting held on June 3, 2026, was chaired by Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood and attended by Senators Farooq Hamid Naek, Saleem Mandviwala, Umer Farooq, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence. A major point of discussion was the proposed repeal of the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Act, 2016, with only section 7(a) to be retained. Senators Naek and Mandviwala raised concerns about the potential impact on PIA employees, urging a comprehensive legal framework to protect their rights. The committee emphasized the need for thorough document review and condemned any proposals to relocate PIA Headquarters, reiterating employee welfare as a top priority.

The committee also reviewed a briefing from South Air regarding a new feasibility plan to initiate flights in southern Pakistan, including routes to Gilgit and from Chitral. Members welcomed the plan, highlighting the benefits of increased competition and directing authorities to improve small airport facilities. The committee requested the formal agreement with the Government/Privatization Commission to be presented in the next meeting.

Addressing domestic airfare, the committee examined concerns over high prices for flights to Quetta. PIA’s response noted dynamic pricing strategies with fares ranging from PKR 19,700 to PKR 53,095. While PIA defended these structures as commercially necessary, the committee stressed the importance of optimizing affordability for passengers.