Abdul Aleem Khan confirms major interest in PIA privatization

The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is moving forward as several major business groups have shown interest in acquiring the national carrier. Federal Minister for Privatisation and Investment, Abdul Aleem Khan, has confirmed that eight prominent business entities have submitted their Statements of Qualification and Expressions of Interest to take over PIA. The interested groups, including Fly Jinnah, Shonksi China CIG Ltd, Jiri International Pvt Ltd, Airbloom Limited, Younis Brothers Holdings Consortium, Pak Ethanol Consortium, and Blue World City Consortium, are now part of the initial selection process.

The Privatization Commission will evaluate these submissions based on the guidelines outlined in the Privatization Commission Ordinance. Those meeting the criteria will advance to the next stage of the privatization process. The federal government extended the deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest to May 17th to accommodate potential bidders.

The decision to privatize PIA was made during the previous caretaker regime, with a government-appointed consultant presenting a comprehensive report on the matter. The current administration aims to finalize the privatization by June, although some delays may occur. Furthermore, the government plans to outsource operations at three major airports in Pakistan - Allama Iqbal International Airport, Jinnah International Airport Karachi, and Islamabad International Airport. The outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport is already underway, with plans to lease the facility for a period of 15 years.

The privatization of PIA marks a significant step in the government's efforts to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the aviation sector. By involving reputable business groups in the process, the aim is to improve the overall performance and service quality of the national airline. As the privatization progresses, stakeholders will closely monitor developments to ensure a smooth transition that benefits both the airline industry and passengers.