A technical malfunction in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system has brought office operations to a standstill nationwide. The outage on Wednesday has disrupted crucial employee-related processes, including medical management and leave approvals.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that PIA relies heavily on its ERP system for these essential functions. The system malfunction has severely hampered office productivity in various locations, including the airline’s headquarters in Karachi.
PIA’s IT department is working diligently to rectify the issue and restore the ERP system to full functionality. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that efforts are underway to resolve the technical glitch and minimize further disruption to operations.
It is currently unclear when PIA’s internal systems will be restored or how the disruption occurred.
PIA’s privatization is approaching as its official sale date draws near. The Secretary Privatization Commission confirmed to the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization last month that the process will be completed on October 1, 2024.
The Pakistani Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation remains optimistic about the timely sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), despite the airline’s challenging financial situation. Committee chairman, Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar, emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests over political considerations during the privatization process.
The committee expressed concern over PIA’s substantial financial liabilities, which have ballooned to Rs. 825 billion. Since 2015, the airline has accumulated Rs. 499 billion in liabilities, with a further Rs. 75 billion in losses incurred in 2023 alone. In contrast, PIA’s assets are currently valued at Rs. 161 billion.