Khurram Mushtaq Appointed Acting CEO of PIA
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Corporation Limited has named Khurram Mushtaq as its acting Chief Executive Officer, as reported by some sources. The appointment was finalized during a meeting of the PIA Board of Directors.
Khurram Mushtaq will assume his role following the conclusion of Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat’s tenure. A seasoned aviation professional, Mushtaq is among PIA’s senior-most executives, with extensive experience in key roles, including heading the airline’s commercial, airport services, flight services, security, and vigilance departments.
Last month, PIA had advertised for the CEO position, inviting applications within 15 days. Candidates aged 45–57 were required to possess 20 years of experience managing a large corporation or at least 10 years of aviation management experience.
Separately, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) has lifted its previous ban on the privatization of PIA, allowing the process to move forward. A constitutional bench led by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan concluded the case, clearing the way for the government to proceed with the airline’s privatization.
During the hearing, the Additional Attorney General confirmed that the government had approved hiring new professionals for PIA. Although the privatization process had been delayed, the airline’s flight operations are no longer restricted. Justice Khan emphasized the need for transparency in the process, noting the government could secure better rates under the current circumstances. Justice Jamal Mandokhail added that the government must comply with court directives and keep the judiciary informed throughout the privatization process.
