FBR freezes PIA’s accounts
FBR the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) has once again frozen the accounts of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for non-payment of fees, disrupting the schedule of the national flag carrier. A PIA spokesperson confirmed the action and said that engagement with the FBR has continued at the government level to restore the accounts.
He said that despite the closure of settlements, the airline continued its flight operations. The national flag carrier owes more than Rs 2,000 crore in taxes to the government in the last few months. The airline’s 53 accounts were also blocked last year due to non-payment of installments, which were later reinstated with a guarantee of early payment.
Meanwhile, according to sources, PSO refused to supply fuel to PIA, so the schedule of three of its flights was modified. The affected flights include PK309 from Islamabad to Karachi, PK330 from Karachi to Multan and PK739 from Multan to Jeddah.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has issued a call for tenders for a “reputable” cargo handling agent that operates its flights to Paris, raising hopes that the airline could return from its national flag to the European Union. . Such transporters may visit the websites of PIA and Pakistan Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) for bid submission and scope of work. The offer can be sent to the PIA Country Manager in France before August 24, when the offers will be opened.
According to sources, PIA management has started preparations to resume its flights to various destinations in the EU, starting from France. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on January 22 refused to lift the travel ban on PIA to European countries and the United Kingdom after an online audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Published in EDP BLOGS on Jul 27,2023,
