PIA Privatisation Bidding Set for December 23: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that PIA privatisation bidding will take place on December 23. He said the government will broadcast the entire process live. This move aims to ensure transparency and build public trust.

Government Pushes Ahead With Major Reform

The prime minister met representatives from all companies taking part in the process. He said the bidding will mark a major step toward reforming state-owned enterprises. The plan aligns with the $7 billion IMF programme that encourages financial discipline. As a result, the government seeks to sell a 51–100 per cent stake in the airline.
Four groups have already qualified for the next stage. These include the Lucky Cement Consortium, the Arif Habib Corporation Consortium, Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited, and Air Blue Limited. The participants praised the government’s professional approach and its commitment to fairness.
The process faced delays earlier. A parliamentary committee asked officials to speed up the timeline after the November target passed. However, the prime minister said the current roadmap is progressing smoothly. He believes the reform will restore the airline’s lost reputation and prepare it for modern aviation demands.

Transparency, Global Operations, and Future Goals

PIA recently resumed flights to Europe after a four-year ban linked to safety concerns. PM Shehbaz said restoring international routes will help overseas Pakistanis and support tourism. He added that global connectivity remains essential for long-term growth.
The prime minister encouraged bidders to focus on rebuilding the airline’s prestige once they take charge. He noted that a previous attempt failed when a low offer fell short of the required floor price. This time, he expects a stronger outcome due to improved oversight and clearer rules.