Qureshi warns govt against privatising state entities

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s central leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday emphasised that state entities like PIA should not be privatised without taking the Parliament into confidence and allying concerns of its employees.

He said it appeared the government was bent upon selling the national institutions, including PIA in accordance with the secret agreements made with the International Monetary Fund. Qureshi asked the government to make the privatisation process transparent and in line with the national interests.

Talking to media persons here after the National Assembly session, he demanded that the privatisation process of the national airlines should be halted forthwith, being one-side without taking the Parliament on board.

He noted that PTI had serious concerns over the promulgation of the presidential ordinance hours before the commencement of the National Assembly session. Qureshi claimed it was the massive agitation and then boycott of the Assembly’s proceedings by PTI and other opposition parties, which forced the government to arrange briefing for the parliamentary parties on the matter.

He said just because of pressure from the opposition parties, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Privatisation Minister Muhammad Zubair gave briefing on the government’s privatisation policy with special reference to PIA. And then a joint action committee was also formed on this count.

PTI leader contended that PIA was a very important national asset and it was imperative to take the Parliament into confidence besides addressing concerns and reservations of its employees and workers.

He expressed his apprehensions that repeal of the 1956 Act would open a door for privatisation of key national entities.

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has announced appointment of Tariq Azizud Din as his Chief of Staff with immediate effect.  The Chief of Staff will co-ordinate all activities and functions of Imran, including programming and itinerary relating to PTI, SKMT, Namal College and IKF.Tariq Azizud Din retired as senior ambassador from Foreign Service of Pakistan in 2011. He has served as ambassador in Turkey, Afghanistan and Bosnia Herzegovina.