Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has revealed that her daughter and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz expressed interest in acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after the national carrier attracted a bid less than the reserved price.
Talking to reporters in New York, ruling PML-N’s president Nawaz Sharif stated that Maryam Nawaz consulted with him to buy PIA and establish a new airline, branding it as “Air Punjab”.
“I have asked her for further consultation regarding the purchase of PIA and advised her that she could start a new airline that can operate from every corner of Pakistan.” the three-time prime minister said.
“The new airline can directly fly from Pakistan’s cities to destinations all over the world, including, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong,” Sharif maintained, quoting his words to CM Maryam Nawaz. “I believe discussions have taken place regarding this matter.”
Nawaz Sharif – Air Punjab airline pic.twitter.com/A0omR6ZAMd
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) November 2, 2024
The development came a day after the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government expressed its earnest interest in the bidding process for Pakistan International Airline (PIA) privatisation. The provincial government offered the bid, surpassing the current highest offer of Rs10 Billion, placed by the Blue World City consortium.
In a letter written to the Federal Ministry of Privatization, KP’s Board of Investment and Trade, wrote, “on behalf of the Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, expressed interest in participating in the bidding process for the sale of PIA”.
