The federal government has decided to Privatise Pakistan’s three largest international airports under its revised five-year privatisation programme. The move is part of a broader strategy to reform state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and attract greater private sector participation.
According to official documents, Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Islamabad International Airport, and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore have now been included in the government’s updated roadmap.
These three airports were not part of the previous privatisation programme. Their inclusion reflects the government’s renewed focus on improving efficiency and reducing the financial burden of public enterprises.
The revised plan aims to Privatise or restructure a total of 25 state-owned entities over the next five years. The programme will be implemented in three separate phases.
The first phase is expected to be completed within one year. It covers 11 public organisations, including the country’s three major airports.
Along with the airports, the government plans to privatise Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), House Building Finance Company (HBFC), Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO), and Sindh Engineering Limited.
The second phase will be carried out over the following one to three years. It includes 13 additional organisations from the power, insurance, and public service sectors.
Among the entities listed for the second phase are the Utility Stores Corporation, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), Hazara Electric Supply Company (HAZECO), and several government-owned power generation companies.
The government also plans to restructure or privatise State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan and Pakistan Reinsurance Company Limited during the second phase.
The final phase, expected to take place within three to five years, includes the Postal Life Insurance Company.
The updated roadmap no longer includes Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and First Women Bank Limited. Official documents indicate that the government considers the privatisation process for both organisations to have already been completed.
The government’s broader objective is to reduce losses generated by state-owned enterprises while improving operational performance. Officials also hope private investment will modernise services and strengthen financial sustainability.
Economic reforms remain a key part of the government’s long-term strategy. Authorities believe involving the private sector can improve management standards, increase competitiveness, and reduce pressure on public finances.
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The decision to Privatise Pakistan’s largest airports represents one of the most significant additions to the revised programme. If implemented as planned, the move could reshape the country’s aviation sector while supporting wider economic reform efforts over the coming years.
