I take great pleasure in conveying my felicitations to Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier, on the historic occasion of their Golden Jubilee.
To a considerable extent, Pakistan International Airlines is the public face of the country, as its aircraft carry Pakistan's image around the world. Thus, millions of people who have never visited our motherland know about it because of PIA. As an ambassador of goodwill, our national airline has proved itself to be second to none.
Alhamdo Lillah, PIA has staged a turnaround in the last four years from suffering a loss of Rs 2.5 billion in 1999 to a profit making enterprise by 2004, despite the many problems being faced by the airline industry globally.
The airline has also enhanced its service standards, expanded its network, increased its technological resources and improved its expertise in all aspects of its operations. I would like to pay tribute to the management and employees who have used their talents in making PIA one of the most visible symbols of our national prestige. I would also urge them to keep up the good work.