Pakistani Prime Minister declares PIA bidding to be live broadcast on media
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
announced on Wednesday that bidding for Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) will take place on December 23, with the
entire process broadcast live across all media platforms.
The government is seeking to sell a
51–100% stake in the loss-making national carrier as part of efforts to reform
state-owned enterprises under a $7 billion IMF programme. This would mark
Pakistan’s first major privatisation in nearly 20 years. Four bidders have been
pre-qualified: Lucky Cement Consortium, Arif Habib Corporation Consortium,
Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited and Air Blue Limited.
According to a statement posted on X
by PTV News, the prime minister met all corporate entities and representatives
participating in the privatisation process. He emphasised that the process was
progressing “smoothly” and that full transparency and merit were being ensured.
“PIA’s bidding will take place on
December 23, 2025, and will be broadcast live on all media,” the statement
quoted him as saying. Sharif added that the government was committed to
restoring the airline’s “lost prestige” and aligning it with modern aviation
standards.
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He said the revival of PIA’s global operations would particularly benefit overseas Pakistanis and play an essential role in boosting the tourism sector. “I am hopeful that whoever takes on this responsibility after the bidding will focus all their energies on restoring the national airline’s prestige and development,” he added.
Participants at the meeting
reportedly praised the government’s “professional and transparent” handling of
the process.
Authorities had earlier aimed to
complete privatisation by November, and PM Shehbaz on November 20 instructed
officials to fast-track all remaining phases. However, the deadline was missed,
prompting the National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatisation last week
to demand a clear timeline and faster progress.
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PIA, once regarded as a leading global airline, resumed flights to Europe in January after a four-year EU ban over safety concerns. An earlier privatisation attempt collapsed when a $36 million offer from Blue World City fell far below the $305 million floor price amid concerns over debt, staffing and limited managerial control.
Source: Dawn