PIA gave 258k free and 116k discounted tickets

An audit report has disclosed that the national treasury incurred losses of Rs9.43 billion over six years due to Pakistan International Airlines’ practice of issuing free and discounted tickets.

A fresh audit report has revealed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) issued thousands of free and heavily discounted tickets between 2011 and 2016 without proper approval. The report states that over 258000 tickets were given free of cost, while around 116000 were sold at a 95% discount. Most of these benefits went to people who had no official connection with the airline.

The Auditor General observed that these discounts were granted without the authorization of the PIA chairman or managing director. Despite repeated reminders, no official meeting was called to discuss the matter until 2023. The audit has now recommended that the policy of free ticket distribution should be completely discontinued.

PIA responded by confirming that the practice had already been stopped in 2018 after a Supreme Court order against free ticket distribution. A spokesperson clarified that the tickets were previously offered under an agent incentive program aimed at boosting sales. The spokesperson also pointed out that the audit relates to events that are nearly a decade old. The review of these findings lies within the authority of the Departmental Accounts Committee and the concerned ministry. The spokesperson further suggested that renewed attention to this matter may be linked to pressure from certain groups.

Currently, PIA maintains that it is following proper procedures and has moved away from outdated policies that damaged transparency. The airline insists that strict measures are now in place to prevent misuse of resources and ensure fair operations. The revelation of past irregularities has once again raised questions about accountability in the national flag carrier, while the management stresses that reforms have already been implemented.