Business Desk 
Nov 13, 2024
The Privatisation Commission Board, led by Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, approved recommendations on Wednesday to advance the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The board agreed to send PIA’s case to the Cabinet Committee for final review.
Khan emphasised that the privatisation process should protect national interests and comply with regulatory standards. He highlighted the need to make prequalification requirements more appealing to attract serious investors and called for an efficient, structured approach to prevent delays in the transition.
A three-member committee has been formed to oversee the privatisation proceedings and ensure smooth coordination with relevant parties. Khan noted that insights gained from the PIA case would help refine the privatisation framework for other public institutions, which would follow similar processes aligned with best practices and legal standards.
This effort is part of the government’s broader initiative to restructure public institutions and attract private investment to improve efficiency and reduce the financial burden on the state.
Will PIA go to KP? Provincial govt awaits federal decision
Earlier today, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government sent a follow-up letter to the privatisation minister seeking an update on its interest in acquiring PIA. In its initial proposal on November 1, KP expressed its intention to submit a competitive bid exceeding the current highest offer of Rs10 billion by the Blue World Consortium.
In the latest letter, KP’s Board of Investment and Trade (KP-BOIT) Vice-Chairman Hassan Masood Kunwar emphasised the provincial government’s commitment to preserving PIA’s legacy and requested a prompt response regarding the status of their bid. KP-BOIT highlighted strong backing from the chief minister and readiness to discuss the proposal further to support PIA’s revitalisation in alignment with national interests.
