The story of PIA is highly complex, involving multiple layers including the PTI government's crisis management, pilot issues, and PIA's internal crises. The author emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining a balanced perspective as a journalist. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) is identified as the root cause of many aviation issues in Pakistan, and the author calls for radical reforms starting with the PCAA to bring about effective oversight and gradual improvement in the aviation sector.

Tahir Imran Mian responded to Amber's questions about a press conference by GSK and the negative headlines surrounding it, discussing the timing of the presser, the casual nature of a dangerous statement made, and the concept of fake licenses endorsed by a minister. He highlighted the impact on credibility, the change in terminology from 'fake' to 'suspicious' licenses, and the disrepute brought to the country. He emphasized the state's responsibility for checks and balances, the need for accountability, and the role of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in ensuring regulatory compliance.

The article refutes claims made by Umar Farooq Zahoor about meeting Farhat Shahzadi in Dubai in April 2019, using Pakistani immigration and US Homeland Security data to prove she was in the USA during that period. It highlights inconsistencies in Zahoor's statements and emphasizes that Shahzadi's travel records do not support his claims. The article also discusses the protocols for private and official jet travel, asserting that all such travels are recorded in immigration data.

The aviation industry, severely impacted by COVID-19, is slowly recovering with the help of vaccinations and easing travel restrictions. Pakistan's aviation sector, particularly reliant on flights to Saudi Arabia, faced significant challenges, including government inaction and financial struggles. Airlines like Airblue, PIA, Serene Air, and Air Sial adapted by resuming operations under strict protocols and engaging in repatriation efforts. Despite ongoing hurdles, there is cautious optimism for a return to pre-pandemic levels by the third quarter of 2022, with calls for rethinking travel bans and easing restrictions for vaccinated travelers.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is launching twice-weekly flights to Xi'an, Shaanxi province, starting November 6, using a Boeing 777 from Islamabad. Xi'an, a significant city in central China, was historically known as Chang'an. PIA previously only flew to Beijing, competing with Air China, while China Southern Airlines dominates other routes from Guangzhou and Urumqi. Shaheen Air historically operated a weekly flight to Guangzhou.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has faced criticism over alleged overcharging for flights from Kabul to Islamabad, a claim the author refutes by explaining the complexities of aviation economics and the role of charter flights. The article highlights the broader issue of restricted border access and the resulting black market for visas, criticizing both Afghan and Pakistani authorities for their handling of the crisis. It praises PIA for its efforts to evacuate people despite the risks and challenges, contrasting this with the inaction of other airlines and the broader international community.

Pakistani conglomerate Lakson Group is set to launch a new airline, Fly Jinnah, in partnership with UAE's Air Arabia. Based in Karachi, the airline will initially serve domestic routes and later expand internationally. Fly Jinnah aims to provide feeder traffic to Air Arabia's network through Sharjah. The airline is yet to secure its Air Operating Certificate. Air Arabia's Chairman, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, expressed enthusiasm for the joint venture, highlighting its potential to create jobs and boost the travel and tourism sector in Pakistan.

The article details the impounding of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Boeing 777 in Kuala Lumpur due to a lease dispute with Peregrine Aviation Charlie Limited. It highlights the financial and management issues within PIA, including expensive lease agreements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the airline's operations. The article also discusses the historical context of PIA's leasing decisions and the political ramifications of the incident. The plane was eventually released after an out-of-court settlement, but the incident underscores ongoing challenges for the national carrier.

Pakistan International Airlines is experiencing significant disruptions in flight operations due to protests in Karachi, leading to massive traffic jams around Jinnah International Airport. Several flights, both domestic and international, have been cancelled or delayed, causing inconvenience to passengers. PIA has advised passengers to check flight schedules and leave for the airport well in advance.

The High Court of Justice in the British Virgin Islands has issued a stay order ex-parte on the assets of PIA Investments Limited, including two hotels in New York and Paris, in relation to a $5.97 billion award enforcement sought by Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) against Pakistan. The award was issued by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in the Reko Diq case. Pakistan and PIA Investments are contesting the proceedings, with the government seeking to protect national assets and considering amicable settlement options. The Reko Diq dispute originated when TCC's mining lease application was rejected by Balochistan in 2011, leading to an ICSID tribunal ruling against Pakistan in 2017 and a $5.97 billion penalty in 2019. Pakistan has challenged the award and a final hearing is scheduled for May 2021.

Egypt Air has received approval to resume non-stop flights between Cairo and Karachi, planning to operate three weekly flights starting in the second or third quarter of 2021. This marks the resumption of a route suspended since 2001. The article also provides historical context on PIA's operations to Cairo and mentions a tragic accident involving PIA Flight 705 in 1965. Additionally, it briefly touches on other airlines' activities and the Pakistani government's plans regarding PIA.

Pakistan's aviation sector faced a severe crisis following a statement by the Federal Minister for Aviation, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, claiming over 30 percent of civilian pilots had 'fake' licenses. This led to international scrutiny, with the EU Aviation Safety Agency and the US FAA downgrading Pakistan's safety ratings and suspending flight operations. The minister's claims were later proven to be exaggerated and inaccurate, causing significant damage to the industry's reputation. The government, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, admitted mishandling the situation, and efforts for damage control ensued. The article details the events leading up to the crisis, the internal conflicts, and the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation sector in Pakistan.

The Sindh High Court has ordered Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) not to remove pilots Yahya Mussawar Sandila and Waseem Akhter from service, following the cancellation of their licenses by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The court restrained the defendants from publicizing the license cancellation decision, which could defame the pilots. The pilots' lawyers argued that the CAA's actions were illegal and lacked due process. The case will be heard again on July 30, 2020.

The government of Pakistan is actively engaging with various governments and agencies to lift the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe imposed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Key meetings have taken place, including one between Pakistan's Ambassador to Germany, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, and EASA's executive director, Patrick Ky. Prime Minister Imran Khan has also met with PIA's CEO, Air Marshal Arshad Malik, to discuss restructuring plans, emphasizing the urgency of resuming PIA flights to Europe.

Pakistani social media is rife with rumors about Askari Airlines, which is a new venture under the Army Welfare Trust, having existed in part since 1995 as Askari Aviation. The airline received approval for regular public transport licenses in 2018. Other airlines that received RPT include Liberty Air, Go Green Airways, United Airways Pakistan Limited, Air Sial, and Afeef Zara Airways. Air Sial is the only one close to launching operations, though it faces uncertainties due to COVID-19 and pilot license issues.

The European Union Air Safety Agency (EASA) has suspended Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) authorization to operate in EU member states for six months starting July 1, 2020, due to concerns over the airline's safety management systems and the validity of Pakistani pilot licenses. This follows a revelation by Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan that over 260 of 860 pilot licenses in Pakistan were fraudulent. PIA will temporarily discontinue its flights to Europe, offering passengers the option to extend their bookings or receive full refunds.