Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that the government will ensure every possible measure for reviving the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) into a profitable carrier.
He said this while chairing a meeting held to review reforms at the national carrier, Radio Pakistan reported.
The prime minister said it is unfortunate the national flag carrier was turned into a a corrupt and mismanaged institution, for which tax payers are having to bear the burden.
Expressing satisfaction over the sitting PIA administration, PM asked the chairman to evolve a comprehensive strategy to overcome losses.
Briefing the prime minister, PIA Chairman Air Marshal Asad Mehmood Malik said total deficit of the airline stands at Rs414.3 billion.
PIA is facing a deficit of Rs500 million on seven international routes in addition to loss on domestic routes.
The meeting was told that 194 ghost employees, 73 cabin crew members and seven pilots were removed for holding fake degrees.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Aviation Minister Muhammad Soomro, Air Chief Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, PIA Chairman Air Marshal Asad Mehmood Malik and others.