The much-anticipated final auction for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is now scheduled for October 30, marking a significant step in the process of transferring the state-owned airline to private hands. Parliamentary Secretary for Communication, Gul Asghar Khan, confirmed this in the National Assembly while addressing a call attention notice from PPP’s Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui.
Gul Asghar explained that the PIA privatization is not a quick process; it’s a long journey carried out through an organized framework. The journey officially began in February 2024, and now it’s reaching its final stage with the upcoming auction at the end of this month. He mentioned that various institutions, including the Privatisation Commission Board led by the Minister, have been involved, while the Secretary of the Privatization Commission oversees the process.
The decision to privatize PIA was given a green signal by the Cabinet Committee on Privatization. To make the process smoother, PIA’s assets were divided, with operational assets separated to ease the sale.
However, as things move forward, some new demands are coming from the potential buyers. During a Senate Privatization Committee meeting led by Senator Talal Chaudhry, it was revealed that companies looking to buy PIA have certain conditions, including firing all employees immediately and taking a 76% share in PIA. They also want the government to clear the tax dues first.
Moreover, bidders have asked for more time to complete their due diligence, which might push back the finalization date of the privatization. With all these factors in play, the auction date remains a crucial point for PIA’s future.
 is now scheduled for October 30, marking a significant step in the process of transferring the state-owned airline to private hands. Parliamentary Secretary for Communication, Gul Asghar Khan, confirmed this in the National Assembly while addressing a call attention notice from PPP’s Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui.){kind=link}