What was the old name of PIA?

The correct answer is Orient Airways. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has a rich history rooted in the establishment of Orient Airways. Orient Airways was founded in 1946 in Calcutta, British India, by Mirza Ahmad Ispahani. After the Partition of India in 1947, the airline relocated its base to Karachi, Pakistan, and became the first and only airline of the newly formed nation. It continued to operate international flights and lay the groundwork for Pakistan's national carrier. In 1955, the government of Pakistan decided to nationalize and reorganize Orient Airways, officially renaming it Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Thus, Orient Airways was the direct predecessor and the old name of PIA.

• Option A, Pakistan Airways, is incorrect because while PIA is Pakistan's national airline, "Pakistan Airways" was not its historical name.
• Option C, Crescent Air, is incorrect. Crescent Air has no historical connection as the former name of PIA.
• Option D, Indus Air, is also incorrect. Indus Air was a private airline that operated in Pakistan much later, and it was not the predecessor of PIA.