Are foreign airlines allowed to invest in airline business in Pakistan??\

Like Virgin Nigeria.

Can Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airways start and operate a Pakistan based airline??

I think its high times a foreign airline directly or as a joint collaboration start a modern airline in Pakistan.

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P.I.A

God's International Airline

No way......Emirates business plans envisage no such thing in short or medium term. They are already hands full and have no interest is acquiring a moribund business like PIA.
And an important question, why should they?

I think you have missed the point here Tailwind. I believe Amaad is suggesting Emirates starting their own airline within Pakistan as a subsidary airline.

For example, in March 1993 British Asia Airways, a subsidiary of British Airways based in Taiwan was formed to operate between London and Taipei. Amaad is suggesting a regional Pakistani based airline could be set up in a similiar way?

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http://raisinganchor.blogspot.com/

i could see them buying PIA mainly to end the competion...they would prbably takeover PIA slots in pakistan with Ek and designate the PIA flights where EK isnt interested

also i would like to see the UAE companies take a share in the Pakistani airports to improve them

EK has no threat or competetion from PIA on any route. All their flights to Pakistan are almost full. Why should they associate with a failing airline, invite criticism a additional headache for nothing. Hypothetically even if they do so, will they be able to shed away MQM/PPP backed employees, how would they accomodate faryal talpur and bhai sb in london?

except for islami bhai chara (which is a falacy to beginwith) there is no reason they should do so

Well, this would not be a problem for them as they are bigger "brother" than faryal talpur and bhai sb in london

But i agree with you that they would not have any interest in setting up service from PK;they already are getting big share in international traffic

Unfortunately, Pakistan is an unimportant destination in the aviation world (despite its ideal geo location). yes maybe for hajj only or a handful of ME carriers or rusty Russian cargo airlplanes, thats about it. Most airlines overlook or bypass Pakistan anyway. Plus the Pakistani consumer dont have much purchasing power anyway due to a dwindling socio-economic-political scenario.

For example SQ quit Pakistan so abruptly. It was thought they are doing 'well' but SQ did not even feel it was 'important' to notify Pakistan consumers/authorities. Had it been European or other destinations you can expect a professional airline like SQ to make press releases and maybe notify in print media outlets and everywhere. Give them ample notice and what not.

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4 engines 4 long-haul

A country of 180 million people, few million working overseas, and with a GDP of $250 billlion, and not a single world class airline.

I dont mean it has to be Emirates, I meant any other airline taking an interest, such as Thai, Cathay, Vietnam Airlines, THY or any world class carrier with ambition to grow.

First of all, is it allowed by the government?

And if it is allowed then someone should do it.

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P.I.A

God's International Airline

Amaad...I dont wnat to steer the discussion away from aviation, yet you have raised a very pertinent question, though in a different context.
Is it not a point to ponder, why are we where we are?. How many out of these 180 million are travelling class. Leaving aside a few lower class overseas workers, the one way fare from karachi to islamabad is more than the monthly salary of 60 % Pakistanis. We have not grown as a society. The upward social mobility which reflects the dynamism of a society and economy is growing in inverse. People are poorer (in real sense) then they were, say 20 years ago.
Now look at the travel statistics. Why should a non-pakistani visit Pakistan. No tourism, no business, poor law and order and above all fear for life.
Mind you, airlines grow with the nation. Business and tourism are the biggest drivers for an airline. You improve that and people will flock to you. Till then forget it.....
Apologies if i seem pessimistic.