(APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday launched the country’s first-ever citizen-centric National Security Policy 2022-2026, saying that an inclusive development was inevitable for national security.
“Inclusive growth means not only to uplift the poor people but also the neglected areas… (In such case) every common man becomes a stakeholder to protect the state… The biggest security is when people stand behind state for its protection,” the prime minister said addressing the launching ceremony of the public version of the otherwise secret document.
The prime minister, who earlier signed the historic document, appreciated the National Security Division for formulating a policy based on the consensus of the whole state and defining the national security in a “right manner”.
First of its kind in Pakistan’s history, the National Security policy articulates a citizen-centric framework, placing economic security at its core and seeking a secure and economically resilient Pakistan. The formulation process of the policy includes multiple consultations with official stakeholders including federal ministers, 120 experts, 300 students, and 600 people from all walks of life.
The prime minister said the NSP would also help correct the dimension and help the whole government machinery to move in one direction for achieving national security and stability.
Speaker National Assembly, federal ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, all services chiefs, diplomats, senior civil and military officers attended the launching ceremony.
The prime minister emphasized that our armed forces were our pride and glued the nation together. Given the threats, we face in the region, and the growing threat of hybrid warfare, they would continue to receive even greater support and importance.
The prime minister explained the significance of his government’s successful initiative of producing the National Security Policy calling it a major priority of his government.
He also highlighted the importance of the policy’s successful implementation and announced that the National Security Committee (NSC) will regularly review progress.
He said the NSP centered on the government’s vision, which believes that the security of Pakistan rested in the security of its citizens.
Any national security approach must prioritize national cohesion and the prosperity of people while guaranteeing fundamental rights and social justice without discrimination, he added.
The prime minister said in order to achieve the vast potential of the citizens, it was necessary to promote delivery-based good governance.
Prime Minister explained that the foremost aim of the foreign policy and military capability would remain peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Our foreign policy will also focus much more on economic diplomacy going forward, he remarked.
The prime minister said the national security is also compromised when the country had to approach IMF to support its economy by accepting their conditions. In such a case, the common man has to face the burden, he added.
Reiterating his vision of replicating Madina State, the prime minister said by March every family in the PTI-led provinces would have health insurance of Rs 1 million a year which was even not available in developed countries.
He also highlighted the government’s initiatives like interest-free loans for business, ration subsidy schemes, and housing construction loans to the low-income group.
He said for the first time, the government introduced a core national curriculum as in the past, the country had three parallel education systems of seminaries, English and Urdu medium schools.
Calling rule of law a big challenge for the country, he said Madina State was the first to end discriminatory laws for the rich and poor. He said due to lack of rule of law, the country could not tap its immense tourism potential in Northern Areas which were far bigger and more beautiful than Switzerland.
National Security Adviser Dr. Moeed Yusuf, in his remarks, briefly explained the National Security Policy vision and thanked the Prime Minister and all officials for their constant support.
Calling it an umbrella document linking all issues of national security, Moeed Yusuf said Pakistan was among a few countries that codified and publicized its security policy.
He said that the National Security Policy has taken a broad view of national security as both traditional and non-traditional issues impacted the country’s security.
While the National Security Policy is centered around economic security, the geo-strategic and geo-political imperatives also feature prominently to strengthen Pakistan security and standing in the world, he remarked.
He highlighted that this was a document finalized after full civil-military consensus.
He said the policy also seeks to bring about good governance which was vital to protect the common man.
Moreover, quality education will also bring cohesion to society. He said geoeconomics was not different from geostrategic as Pakistan’s location could be used as a corridor making other countries benefit from Pakistan’s economy.
He said the NSD would provide a monthly report to National Security Committee on the implementation of the policy.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once a symbol of national pride and a beacon of excellence in aviation, is now a struggling entity, facing severe operational and financial challenges. Over the decades, PIA has seen its reputation erode due to mismanagement, political interference, corruption, and a lack of long-term strategic vision. The question that looms over the nation is: Why can’t we make PIA soar again, and what will it take to restore its lost glory?
A Glorious Past, A Struggling Present
PIA was once at the forefront of innovation in the global aviation industry. It was the first airline in Asia to induct a jet aircraft and played a crucial role in launching other major airlines. The organization was known for its exemplary service, skilled workforce, and state-of-the-art fleet. Unfortunately, this prestigious image has been overshadowed by a series of setbacks that have brought the national carrier to its knees.
Root Causes of PIA’s Decline
Political Interference: One of the major factors contributing to PIA’s decline has been excessive political meddling. Successive governments have treated PIA as a tool for political patronage, often making appointments based on loyalty rather than merit. This has led to inefficiency and a bloated workforce that burdens the airline’s financial stability.
Lack of Accountability: Corruption and mismanagement have plagued PIA for years. From questionable procurement practices to poor financial management, the lack of accountability has allowed inefficiencies to thrive. The absence of a culture that holds officials responsible for their actions has exacerbated the situation.
Operational Inefficiencies: Overstaffing, outdated technology, and aging aircraft have made PIA one of the least efficient airlines in the region. High maintenance costs, poor scheduling, and frequent delays have diminished the trust of passengers, leading to a decline in customer loyalty.
Financial Mismanagement: The financial woes of PIA are no secret. Mounting debts and continuous losses have made it difficult for the airline to invest in fleet modernization or improve service quality. Despite government bailouts, the airline continues to struggle financially, raising concerns about the sustainability of its operations.
The Need for Accountability and Vision
To revive PIA, a comprehensive reform plan focused on accountability, transparency, and a clear vision for the future is necessary. Here are some strategies that can help turn PIA around:
Professional Management: The airline needs to be run by aviation experts and industry professionals, free from political interference. Appointing competent leadership with a proven track record in the aviation sector is crucial for steering the airline in the right direction.
Streamlining Operations: Reducing operational inefficiencies, right-sizing the workforce, and investing in modern technology can significantly improve the airline’s performance. A data-driven approach to managing routes and optimizing flight schedules will help enhance profitability.
Fleet Modernization: An aging fleet not only incurs high maintenance costs but also impacts passenger safety and comfort. Investing in new, fuel-efficient aircraft will not only improve service quality but also reduce operational costs in the long run.
Customer-Centric Approach: Restoring passenger trust is paramount. This can be achieved by improving on-time performance, enhancing in-flight services, and ensuring a seamless travel experience. Listening to customer feedback and adapting to their needs will go a long way in rebuilding PIA’s reputation.
Transparency and Governance: Implementing strict measures to ensure transparency in financial and operational dealings is essential. Independent audits and stringent anti-corruption policies must be enforced to root out corruption and mismanagement.
A National Responsibility
Reviving PIA is not just about saving an airline; it’s about restoring national pride. As a national carrier, PIA represents Pakistan on the global stage. A well-functioning PIA can boost tourism, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the country’s economy. It is time for all stakeholders, including the government, aviation authorities, and the citizens of Pakistan, to demand accountability and work towards a shared vision that can make PIA soar once again.
The road to recovery is not easy, but with the right leadership, commitment to transparency, and a relentless focus on excellence, PIA can reclaim its status as one of the leading airlines in the world. The time for action is now; Pakistan deserves an airline that truly reflects the nation’s potential and aspirations.