Decision to find PIA's strategic partner deferred for six months, says Information Minister

ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) - Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has said that Government has the strategy to foil attempts by some political parties to cash on the issue of PIA.

Talking to newsmen in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said representatives of PIA unions met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who gave them six months to cooperate in overcoming challenges facing the national flag carrier.

He said the representatives were told that the decision to find a strategic partner is being deferred for six months. The Government would assess the situation during this period and then take a decision.

The Minister said patriotic employees of PIA were cooperating and flights were proceedings as per schedule. He asked what was justification for strike six months ahead of a development. He regretted that some political parties are exploiting the situation for their own ends.

To a question, he questioned what Imran Khan was aiming at by resorting to politics of agitation except creating difficulties for students, patients and workers.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has emphasized the need for resolution of Kashmir dispute for the sake of sustainable peace in the region and beyond.

He was addressing Kashmir Solidarity Seminar in Islamabad on Wednesday afternoon.

The Minister said there is complete consensus amongst all political parties of Pakistan on Kashmir issue.

He said every person with a conscience is supportive of the fundamental right of self-determination of Kashmiri people.