Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the national flag carrier of Pakistan, operating international and domestic routes across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Founded in 1955, it is one of the oldest airlines in Asia and has historically played a central role in connecting Pakistan to the global aviation network. The airline is majority government-owned and is headquartered in Karachi. Over the decades, PIA has faced significant financial and operational challenges, including heavy debt burdens and safety concerns that led to bans from European Union airspace and the United Kingdom following revelations about pilot licensing irregularities in 2020. PIA operates a mixed fleet of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft and serves dozens of international and domestic destinations. The Pakistani government has pursued privatization efforts in recent years as part of broader efforts to restructure the airline's finances and restore its international reputation.