The government has officially announced that the PIA privatisation bid deadline extended to Nov 17, giving potential investors more time to complete the process. The extension comes after several interested parties requested additional time to finalize their financial and technical proposals.
According to the Privatisation Commission, this is the second time the deadline has been revised to ensure a transparent and competitive process. Initially, the submission date was set for late October, but authorities decided to push it forward after reviewing the progress of pre-qualified bidders.
Officials confirmed that the PIA privatisation bid deadline extended to Nov 17 aims to attract maximum participation from both local and international investors. The government wants to ensure that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is handed over to a qualified and financially strong buyer capable of reviving the struggling national carrier.
PIA has faced years of financial losses due to poor management, heavy debts, and operational inefficiencies. The privatisation effort is part of a broader economic reform plan supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). By involving the private sector, the government hopes to improve service quality, reduce fiscal pressure, and restore the airline’s global reputation.
Sources said that several consortiums from the Middle East, Europe, and Pakistan have shown interest in acquiring a majority stake. The Privatisation Commission has assured that the process will be carried out transparently under strict international standards.
Industry experts believe that extending the bid date will increase competition and allow more investors to join, ultimately ensuring better offers for the government.
As the PIA privatisation bid deadline extended to Nov 17, authorities remain optimistic that the process will move forward smoothly, marking a major step toward reforming Pakistan’s aviation sector.
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