WITH flight operations in disarray, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is in a virtual collapse. It was going down for a while, but the recent nosedive has left the nation rather stunned. Even the caretaker prime minister, in a state of frenzy, has called for its quick privatisation. However, the fall of the national carrier does not come as a surprise to many.

It was much expected and was only a question of time for the inevitable to happen. PIA`s recovery, let alone the past glory, is now irretrievable.

Small doses of emergency funds provided by the government at different intervals following one SOS after another from the airline`s unprofessional and incompetent management, are nolonger a remedy. By any international accounting standard, the organisation is not a viable concern anymore with its insurmountable liabilities. A great institution that was built with hard work, zeal, dedication and enthusiasm is on the death bed.

But there is no point raising fingers at PIA alone. The condition of many other state-owned enterprises is not too different and their fate eventually cannot be dissimilar.

Look at the Pakistan Steel Mills, which is in hibernation for the last eight years, or the power distribution companies (Discos) that generate billions of losses each year, or, for that matter, Pakistan Railways that subsists on government`s largesse and is no longer considered a safe and reliable mode of travel. The list of such failures is endless.

These organisations mirror what the national fabric is undergoing and experiencing; comprehensive regression in governance.

The state appears to be dysfunctional, and the administration stands confused.

There is complete paralysis as no one is quite willing to take up the challenge.

Arif`Majeed Karachi