u/Icy-Difference3052

So PIA announced vacancies for pilots in 2025 July and gave an advertisement. From what I can tell (since I am very passionate and well informed I would like to think), this was and is one of the most merit based hirings ever done. A written test by NTS which was cancelled after a system/technical error in score reporting; then re-conducted to ensure legitimacy. (october 2025).

Interviews held in Khi, Lhe, Isb for each candidate, lasting a minimum of 12 to 15 minutes mostly with high quality technical questions and general questions.(November 2025)

Then for the first time in PIA's history, 80 candidates shortlisted for the next round of flight aptitude check; conducted on a cessna 172 simulator at Askari Aviation ISB, 30 to 45 minutes flight check conducted by the Director flight ops, chief training or chief technical. CCTV monitored. (January 2026).

For the first time in maybe 20 years or more; it was unbelievable seeing the quality of men and women chosen for each round and the high standard of the induction process. Student pilots like myself who aspire to fly for this legacy airline were in shock and at the same time so happy and motivated to see that phone calls, contacts, cast and money unable to make any difference whatsoever.

But as always, anything good in this country is always too good to be true. Its May 2026 and the process seems to be frozen/halted or cancelled. the excuse being the new consortium taking over PIA. Despite the fact that pilots are desperately needed at PIA and that the last time cadet pilots were hired was in 2016 (25 pilots). It is so sad and sickening to see an airline purposely try to loose such amazing candidates just because the new owners now will have complete authority to hire anyone from the market without having them go through such a long tiring and difficult hiring process. Oh and the people who will now comment "its all based on connections", "corruption", "overstaffing" etc etc.

Wanna know what the real aviation guys feel about this and if anyone has any information about where this process stands and what can be expected.

Thanks

So PIA announced vacancies for pilots in 2025 July and gave an advertisement. From what I can tell (since I am very passionate and well informed I would like to think), this was and is one of the most merit based hirings ever done. A written test by NTS which was cancelled after a system/technical error in score reporting; then re-conducted to ensure legitimacy. (october 2025).

Interviews held in Khi, Lhe, Isb for each candidate, lasting a minimum of 12 to 15 minutes mostly with high quality technical questions and general questions.(November 2025)

Then for the first time in PIA's history, 80 candidates shortlisted for the next round of flight aptitude check; conducted on a cessna 172 simulator at Askari Aviation ISB, 30 to 45 minutes flight check conducted by the Director flight ops, chief training or chief technical. CCTV monitored. (January 2026).

For the first time in maybe 20 years or more; it was unbelievable seeing the quality of men and women chosen for each round and the high standard of the induction process. Student pilots like myself who aspire to fly for this legacy airline were in shock and at the same time so happy and motivated to see that phone calls, contacts, cast and money unable to make any difference whatsoever.

But as always, anything good in this country is always too good to be true. Its May 2026 and the process seems to be frozen/halted or cancelled. the excuse being the new consortium taking over PIA. Despite the fact that pilots are desperately needed at PIA and that the last time cadet pilots were hired was in 2016 (25 pilots). It is so sad and sickening to see an airline purposely try to loose such amazing candidates just because the new owners now will have complete authority to hire anyone from the market without having them go through such a long tiring and difficult hiring process. Oh and the people who will now comment "its all based on connections", "corruption", "overstaffing" etc etc.

Wanna know what the real aviation guys feel about this and if anyone has any information about where this process stands and what can be expected.

Thanks