Do you have any sources on the info you have provided, I haven't done extensive comparisons b/w the two, but Saab definitely has better/ newer avionics and airframe design (its a newer a/c). And remember its a higher performance a/c, it was designed to provide jet type performance with turboprop economy, so when talking about the fuel economy I think when you say higher fuel consumption thats comparing time-fuel ratio but it will get there faster, so I would consider distance- fuel ratio. And since the skies over northern Pakistan areas are usually vacant, PIA will be able to get the max performance. The climb and descent rates are second to none. If I remember correctly during the certification and flight testing the Saab 2000 broke the time to climb record for any turboprop a/c.
I in no way would like PIA to get Saab 2000 for reasons any other than performace and feasibility, I just feel its a better choice but relatively unknown because it wasn't able to make an impression on the market at the time.
About the spares, probably most aircrafts flying today are no longer in production, I don't think that by default makes a difference (remember its like a stretched Saab 340).
About the cabin width, I am not sure what the exact difference is, but in terms of comfort, the noise reduction system of Saab 2000 would more than make up for it.
About the price: Like I said, PIA might be able to get a better deal using the fact that not many others are willing to buy the Saab 2000.
I would mention again, I havn't done any research comparing the two so I would appreciate any hard figures that you can provide.
Ameen!!!!!!!!!!!Irrespective of what PIA buys, I hope there is no waste of precious $$$ and the deal is what is good for the country and the airlines itself; not for the politicians or any one in Authority.