KARACHI: Secretary Aviation Shujaat Azeem has contacted Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for de-blocking of NTN of M/s PIA so that the imports by national flag carrier could be processed as two Airbus 330 aircraft imported on wet lease from Malaysia were awaiting clearance.
After the discussions between the Secretary Aviation and Chairman FBR, the NTN identity of M/s PIA has been restored temporary.
These two Airbus aircraft have been acquired by M/s PIA for two months to facilitate smooth Hajj operation. These planes have been cleared on zero duty as Finance Act 2015 through amendments in 5th and 6th schedule has exempted aviation imports from duty and taxes.
Customs Preventive Karachi had blocked the NTN identity of M/s Pakistan International Airline (PIA) after the national flag carrier failed to meet its obligations despite lapse of the deadline.
Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive had earlier served ‘final notice’ on M/s Pakistan International Airline (PIA) for clearance of dues pertaining to wet leased six aircraft, as the post-dated cheques submitted by the Airline were dishonored.
It may be mentioned here that M/s PIA is bearing severe financial crisis for many years. A senior officer said that corruption, political involvement and nepotism are the biggest reasons behind these crises.
The source said that privatization of M/s PIA was the need of the hour, but several quarters were trying to turn this deal into their own benefits instead of the national airline.
Sources said that impartial investigations into the affairs pertaining to spares and parts procurement contracts, supplies procurement contracts and engineering contracts would reveal surprising tales of corruption.
There was a tome tourists from all over the world used to come to Pakistan as well as businessmen from Europe and US were frequent flyers; aviation as well as hospitality industry was flourishing. But, the security issues and deteriorating law & order situation- the outcome of bad policies – have quite adversely impacted all industries and services sectors.
However, the military leadership as well as PML-N government are committed to fish out the country of these testing times, which is evident from the government’s internal and foreign policies.
Law & order situation of the country has been a cause of concerns for the last many years; but now the military leadership along with elected government have made remarkable progress in this direction and terrorism as well as crime have been limited to major extent.