The Privatisation Commission Board has decided to move forward with the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), forwarding the matter to the Cabinet Committee for further deliberation. This decision, made during a board meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Privatisation and Investment Abdul Aleem Khan, reviewed various aspects of the privatisation process and approved key recommendations.
Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that the privatisation of PIA, along with other state-owned enterprises, will follow all legal regulations while prioritizing national interest. The final decision will rest with the Cabinet Committee, and steps will be taken to expedite the process. Khan reiterated that the Commission cannot exclude any institution that qualifies for privatisation, stressing the importance of improving future procedures by learning from PIA’s case.
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During the meeting, suggestions were put forward to make the terms and conditions of privatisation more appealing to potential investors. Notably, airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines have shown interest in PIA’s privatisation. A three-member committee was also established to supervise the privatisation process, ensuring a transparent and efficient approach.
In addition to the privatisation efforts, Pakistan is set to engage with the European Aviation Safety Committee in Brussels on November 19, 2024. This meeting will discuss the potential reinstatement of Pakistani airlines, including PIA, in European airspace, which has been off-limits since 2020 following a scandal involving fake pilot licenses. Pakistani aviation officials have prepared a detailed plan to address the safety concerns that led to the ban, with the hope of resuming operations in Europe. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact PIA’s future operations and prospects.
