LAHORE: Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid today said that the government is unbowed despite protest and strike by workers of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) that has caused loss of millions of rupees to national exchequer. 

Talking to journalists in Lahore, the minister defended government’s plan to privatize PIA and hailed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for taking “tough steps to steer the country out of crisis.”

"We know how to deal with hardships, but we are determined" he said, claiming that PIA employees are ‘disappointed by unsuccessful strike’.

Replying to a question about killing of two PIA workers in firing, he said inquiry into the incident would be taken to logical end.

"Those who lost their lives were our brothers. They were sincere with their profession… We are making all out efforts to track down those who opened fire on protestors.”

Hoping that the national flag carrier workers will end their week-long strike, the minister ensured no employee would be dismissed, but said “it’s vital to get rid of miscreants.”