PIA reveals the distribution of free, reduced tickets.

According to an audit report, free and subsidized tickets cost the national treasury Rs 9.43 billion over six years.

Between 2011 and 2016, over 258,000 free tickets were distributed, and over 116,000 tickets were discounted by 95%.

Free tickets were distributed in 2011 (58,861) and 2012 (51,692). In 2013, there were 56,815; in 2014, there were 43,077. There were 21,816 free tickets given out in 2015 and 26,729 in 2016.

According to the audit, a large number of the reduced tickets were distributed to non-PIA personnel. The Pakistani Auditor General said that discounts were given without the chairman’s or managing director’s consent.

It wasn’t until 2023 that a meeting on the subject was held, despite numerous reminders. The Auditor General suggested that the free ticket program be discontinued right away.

According to a PIA representative, complimentary tickets have been outlawed entirely since 2018 due to a Supreme Court ruling. In order to increase sales, the tickets had been distributed as part of an agent incentive program.

The relevant ministry calls meetings of the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC), and the audit paragraph is nine years old. The representative went on to say that pressure from particular parties might be the reason for the audit’s enhanced attention.

PIA audit report, cheap tickets, free tickets, and national treasury loss
The Supreme Court’s Auditor General ordered an agent incentive program.
Committee on Departmental Accounts