ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister Sharif Directs Speedy Privatization of PIA, Mandates Retention of Airline’s Name
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued directives for the swift and transparent privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), while also demanding a concrete plan to improve its operational efficiency. The orders were given during a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister to review the national carrier’s affairs.
During the briefing, the Prime Minister was informed that the privatization process is moving forward, with four parties having pre-qualified for the bidding phase, which is set to commence shortly. The government plans to divest 75 percent of its shares in the airline. However, a key condition of the sale mandates that the new owners cannot change the iconic name and brand identity of PIA.
Alongside the privatization push, PM Sharif instructed officials to develop a comprehensive action plan to revitalize the airline’s operations. The immediate focus is on increasing the number of airworthy aircraft and ensuring the timely departure of flights to improve service reliability.
The meeting also reviewed PIA’s long-term business plan. According to the briefing, the airline aims to significantly expand its fleet from the current 18 operational aircraft to 38 by the year 2029. This expansion will support a broader network; while PIA currently serves over 30 cities, its operations are planned to extend to more than 40 domestic and international destinations within the next five years. This dual strategy of privatization and operational overhaul aims to steer the loss-making national carrier toward profitability and sustainability.
Meanwhile the government has formally objected to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) nomination of Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the position of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, in a letter sent to Chief Whip Aamir Dogar.
According to sources, the PTI has finalized Achakzai’s name and insists it will not be changed. Aamir Dogar confirmed the party’s stance, stating that while a formal reply to the government’s letter will be sent after consultation with PTI Chairman Barrister Gauhar, the decision on Achakzai is final
