In a significant development, with the approval of the Supreme Court, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has initiated the process of filling 210 vacant positions on one-year extendable contracts, with intervals of five years.

The national carrier is currently grappling with a severe shortage of essential staff, including pilots, air hostesses, and IT professionals, affecting its operational capacity.

This decision comes in the wake of a previous batch of air hostesses, hired on similar contracts in 2017, who were discharged upon completion of their one-year term due to a ban on job extensions.

Interested candidates are invited to apply for these positions until September 25, with specific educational and professional qualifications required for each role.

The recruitment drive is expected to boost PIA's workforce and, in turn, enhance the airline's operational efficiency, according to a PIA spokesperson.

Moreover, the caretaker government on Saturday announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating PIA mounting debt and interest payments.

The national carrier has been witnessing severe financial challenges, with losses soaring to Rs64 billion during the first half of this year – surpassing the Rs43.5 billion loss reported during the same period last year.

This prompted the government to step in, recognizing the importance of PIA's continued operation for both domestic and international connectivity.

During a recent meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the government deliberated on PIA's financial crisis and examined the airline's restructuring plan aimed at ensuring its long-term viability.

The Ministry of Aviation presented a comprehensive overview of PIA's challenges, analyzing the timelines and costs associated with the proposed restructuring plan.

A spokesperson for PIA stated that the cooperation with banks and the release of funds would have a significant positive impact on the airline's financial stability.

It is expected that PIA will receive the much-needed funds within the coming week.