Who Destroyed PIA? Khawaja Asif Blames Imran Khan and Sarwar for Aviation Crisis

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif launched a scathing attack on former PM Imran Khan and his aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar, holding them responsible for turning PIA into a “graveyard” and damaging national dignity.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Asif called the UK’s removal of Pakistan from its Air Safety List a historic milestone and credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and Civil Aviation efforts for this achievement.

He alleged that in 2020, a reckless statement by Ghulam Sarwar led to international flight bans on PIA, resulting in billions in losses and immense hardship for overseas Pakistanis.

Asif emphasized that the PTI government’s policies left PIA obsolete and grounded. But now, with safety standards improved and international confidence restored, the government is moving towards privatization and full route restoration.

He added that efforts are underway to restore direct flights to the U.S. as well, and that incoming new aircraft and private sector support will revive PIA as a viable global airline.