It was hoped that PIA choose the SAAB 2000 as well so maintenance could be shared between the AF and PIA but they chose ATR instead. SAAB 2000 production stoppage could have been a reason, there are only a few number of them available. So not a wise decision if you want to have the ability to grow your fleet in large numbers in the future. For eg with the ATR PIA can always acquire new builds in what ever quantity it desires to increase fleet size or even replace older ATRs with new builds. On the plus side with PIA opting out to buy, PAF will have ability to buy them if no other customer interested in stored SAAB 2000s.
PIAs problems have been the fact that their bosses don't market or run the airline with a profit making or cost cutting mindset. Else if they had there were alot of capabilities in terms of engineering they could have offered to other airlines. Its idiocy that PIA uses B777ER/LR that are optimized for long routes for mere 2hr KHI-ISB or LHR routes. If they had planned properly they would have used or inducted short haul jets which would have made profits on those routes. PIA was at one time and could have still been a regional maintenance and training hub for alot of other airlines.
Heard PIA is mulling replacements for it's ATRs, since existing fleet is over used. Lets see how that goes, but SAAB 2000s are out of the equation for them.
As for the two SAAB 2000s, if the intended purpose is for AWACs conversion it is likely we will only get official confirmation once they are properly inducted after retro fittings. With the current govt deficits it will not be wise to advertise weapon purchases when we would be going for debt re servicing or borrowing to boost foreign reserves.
bullshit @ F22 Raptors, order those J31 pronto otherwise we will have a nice collection in desert
only one anded on date 19 not yesterday 
the news you are labeling as exclusive was on public forum such as FB OR history of PIA since 3 days . 
