The bidding process for Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) is set to occur Thursday (today) at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, marking a significant step towards the privatization of the state-owned airline.
Bids will be submitted by 1:30 p.m. and opened at 6:30 p.m., with the event being covered live by PTV to ensure transparency.
Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the government’s commitment to a transparent bidding process, stating that all necessary measures are in place to ensure a fair and open procedure.
The decision to privatize PIA comes after years of operational and financial challenges, including mounting debts, persistent losses, and limited capacity for service improvement.
The government has taken steps to alleviate the national carrier’s burden on public funds by opening it to private investment and potential restructuring, aiming to improve service quality and restore profitability.
The divestment initiative is part of broader economic reforms to reduce reliance on state-owned enterprises, which have historically faced inefficiencies and financial strain.