Today we mark another proud moment in our country's history as our national airline celebrates 50 years of service to the country and the world.
Pakistan International Airlines has the proud distinction of carrying our national flag not only to countless countries around the globe but also to virtually every nook and corner of our great country. In fact, PIA has played a major role in helping to make many remote areas of Pakistan more easily accessible and, thus, spurred the momentum of their development.
In an era of airline deregulation, when many air carriers with even longer histories than our national airline have been grounded because of financial setbacks, it is a tribute to the acumen of the present management that PIA has achieved such a remarkable turnaround in its financial performance.
I have noted with great interest the many positive changes in the airline's structure, and I take pleasure in congratulating all those responsible for taking PIA to greater heights of achievement.