PM Shehbaz directs for on-time, transparent privatization of PIA

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday presided over a meeting in Islamabad to review measures and terms and conditions for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed about the timeline of PIA privatization and other terms and conditions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed to make the privatization process of the PIA as transparent.

He further directed the participants to hold roadshows to restore confidence of the investors.

Earlier on April 25, 2026, government invited expressions of interest from potential bidders by June 3 to sell its stake in the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), in line with the International Monetary Fund’s requirement to privatise loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs). 

The fresh bids have been called a week after the Privatization Commission Board on April 17 last approved pre-qualification criteria for selecting prospective buyers for the divestment of the government’s 51 to 100 percent shares in the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Ltd. (PIACL). 

“In the last financial year (FY24), PIA served approximately 4 million passengers across 30 destinations, carrying out 268 flights per week,” the ministry said in the notice aimed at attracting investors.

Reporter Awais Kiyani