By Shahzada Ahsan Ashraf
It would give me great pleasure if my suggestions, in the best national interest, could capture your kind attention and consideration.
At present, the Pakistan Army is managing several institutions under the umbrella of the Army Foundation and Army Welfare Trust, all of which are profit-making entities.
It would be fitting if the Pakistan Army takes over loss-making units like PIA and Steel Mills, both of which burden the national exchequer.
I am confident that under the Pakistan Army’s management, these loss-making units will soon become profitable. Selling national assets to foreign buyers at a throwaway price is beyond comprehension.
Furthermore, the federal government should support local manufacturing industries with the aim of generating domestic and foreign revenues by selling quality products at competitive rates.
This approach would drastically cut considerable import bills, increase substantial exports to international markets, earn precious foreign exchange for timely payments to foreign creditors, improve GDP and per capita income, and provide the expected relief to the common man by the federal and provincial governments.
I would also like to bring to your attention the suspension of flight operations by the national carrier, causing other airlines to take advantage.
The unchecked and exorbitant fares of these airlines should be regulated and capped to prevent the unhealthy practice of profiteering and to protect passengers from paying exorbitant fares at the whim of airlines.
(The writer is a Former Chairman and Managing Director PIA, Former Federal Minister of industries and production)
