The auction for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) will be held on October 30, the Parliamentary Secretary for Communication, Gul Asghar Khan, told the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Gul Asghar Khan, while responding to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Sharmila Faruqui, said that the process of privatisation of PIA is complex and involves multiple institutions.
Gul Khan said “The process began in February 2024 and is now set to conclude with the final auction on October 30th,” adding that this process has been carefully managed by the Privatisation Commission Board. The Secretary of the Privatisation Commission serves as the board’s secretary, ensuring compliance and oversight.
The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has approved the decision for PIA formally, and significant steps have been taken to separate PIA’s operational assets from its non-operational ones.
He further added that new demands from potential buyers have surfaced, particularly regarding the future of PIA employees, which the government is currently addressing as the process moves forward.
Pakistan’s efforts to privatise the cash-strapped PIA have faced various delays in the past.
