ISLAMABAD – The first round of bids for the sale of a 75% stake in PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) began on Tuesday, marking a key step in the privatization process.
Officials confirmed that three major bids were submitted for the airline. The highest offer came from the Arif Habib Consortium, proposing Rs. 115 billion for the stake.
The Lucky Consortium submitted a bid of Rs. 101.5 billion, while Air Blue offered Rs. 26.5 billion, showing a wide range of interest in PIA’s privatization.
The process will now move to the second round of the auction, scheduled to start at 5:40 p.m. Authorities said this stage will allow bidders to revise or increase their offers.
According to government officials, 92.5% of the proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the airline. The remaining 7.5% will go directly to the government.
The winning consortium will also have the option to add two more parties to its group after securing the stake in PIA, providing flexibility for future partnerships.
Analysts say the privatization of PIA could transform the airline’s operations, improving efficiency and competitiveness in the aviation sector. The government hopes the sale will attract serious investors while maintaining public accountability.
The auction process is closely monitored, with authorities emphasizing transparency. Experts note that privatization is a critical step for restructuring PIA, which has faced financial and operational challenges in recent years.
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Officials have urged all interested parties to comply with auction rules. The successful bid is expected to set the tone for the future of Pakistan’s national airline and may have significant implications for the country’s aviation industry.
