Responding to a question, during Question Hour, the minister said PIA’s deficit could be reduced with commissioning of new aircraft to the existing fleet. He said that the government was taking concrete steps to make the national airlines a profitable organization.

To a supplementary question he said that grounded Fokker aircraft were sold through open auction.

He said the currently PIA is operating to 37 international destinations, however, flight operation to Moscow has not been continuing for last two years due to non-profitable route.

To another question, he said that new Islamabad airport would be completed by 2013.

The minister said 4300 acres have already been acquired for Gwadar airport and site protection works including security fence, perimeter track and watch towers have already been started.