By Ata Ur Rahmen 
PIA Flight Operation Restoration Urged by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
The PIA flight operation from Peshawar to Karachi and Gulf destinations must resume immediately, said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, in a formal appeal to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The governor emphasized that the suspension of Pakistan International Airlines’ services has caused widespread hardship to passengers, particularly those traveling for business and to visit families abroad.
Kundi’s letter, addressed directly to the defence minister, highlights a growing concern among citizens and expatriates from KP who rely on PIA’s services for reliable and affordable travel. The governor urged the federal government to act swiftly to restore daily flight schedules connecting Peshawar with Karachi and major cities across the Gulf and Middle East.
Public Hardship Due to Airline Monopoly
Governor Kundi noted that the discontinuation of PIA flight operation has created a vacuum quickly filled by a single private airline, which now dominates the Peshawar–Karachi route. This monopoly, he stated, has resulted in exorbitant airfares and limited seating capacity, leaving travelers with little choice and great inconvenience.
“People face significant difficulty due to the monopoly of a private airline on this route,” the governor remarked. “Passengers are forced to pay inflated fares while struggling to find available seats.”
The Peshawar–Karachi flight route is among the busiest in Pakistan, serving thousands of commuters daily, including government officials, business professionals, and students. The lack of PIA’s presence on this crucial route, Kundi argued, contradicts the airline’s mandate to ensure nationwide accessibility and equal service availability.
Overseas Pakistanis from KP Face Major Difficulties
The absence of PIA flight operation has not only affected domestic travelers but also overseas Pakistanis, especially those working in Gulf and Middle Eastern countries. Many expatriates from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rely on Peshawar Airport for direct access to destinations such as Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Jeddah.
Kundi pointed out that these Pakistanis now face unnecessary travel burdens, often having to connect through other cities like Islamabad or Lahore, which increases both cost and travel time. He appealed to the federal government to recognize the importance of Peshawar as a key travel hub for KP’s large expatriate community.
“Thousands of our people working abroad face serious inconvenience because of the suspension of PIA flights from Peshawar to the Gulf,” Kundi wrote. “Restoring these routes will directly benefit them and strengthen Pakistan’s ties with its overseas workforce.”
Reviving the National Flag Carrier
The PIA flight operation once symbolized Pakistan’s pride, with the airline recognized regionally for its high standards and service excellence. Governor Kundi expressed hope that with proper attention, the national carrier could regain its past glory.
He stated, “I hope that PIA will soon reclaim the heights it had achieved during the 1960s and 1970s.” During that period, PIA was considered a leader in South Asian aviation, known for professionalism, punctuality, and a broad international network.
The governor urged the government to adopt a strategic revival plan for PIA, including fleet modernization, route expansion, and customer service improvement. He emphasized that PIA’s restoration is vital not just for travel convenience but also for national identity and economic growth.
A Call for Federal Government Action
In his correspondence, Faisal Karim Kundi urged the Defence Ministry and Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to prioritize reopening PIA flight operation from Peshawar. He argued that restoring these routes would relieve citizens of unfair travel costs and reestablish fair competition within the aviation sector.
Kundi further recommended that PIA introduce flexible flight schedules, affordable ticket pricing, and better facilities to attract passengers back to the national airline. Such steps, he said, would help rebuild trust among travelers and demonstrate the government’s commitment to public service.
Economic and Regional Benefits
Experts believe that resuming the PIA flight operation will have multiple benefits for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s economy. Increased connectivity would boost local tourism, business travel, and trade activities. It would also help small exporters and entrepreneurs who rely on efficient air transport for timely shipments and client meetings.
Furthermore, better access to Gulf countries could strengthen Pakistan’s remittance inflows, as expatriate workers would find it easier to visit home more frequently. For many families in KP, affordable air travel remains essential for maintaining ties with loved ones abroad.
Restoring PIA’s Reputation Through Reform
Aviation analysts note that while PIA has faced operational and financial difficulties in recent years, restoring key routes such as Peshawar–Karachi and Peshawar–Gulf could mark the beginning of a turnaround. Public sentiment toward the airline remains positive, driven by nostalgia for its golden era and a desire for a strong, state-backed alternative to private carriers.
Reforms could include partnerships with international airlines, improved service quality, and investment in digital booking systems. Governor Kundi’s proposal serves as a reminder that PIA’s revival requires both government will and organizational reform.
A Path Toward Revival
The call by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to resume PIA flight operation underscores the growing demand for accessible and affordable air travel across Pakistan. His appeal highlights a broader public expectation for the national flag carrier to reclaim its legacy and fulfill its public service role.
By restoring domestic and international routes from Peshawar, the federal government can take a decisive step toward strengthening regional connectivity, supporting overseas Pakistanis, and rebuilding confidence in the aviation sector. The revival of PIA flight operation is not just about flights — it’s about restoring national pride, economic opportunity, and Pakistan’s presence in global skies.
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