The privatisation of Pakistan’s national carrier, PIA, has been postponed once again. The process is now expected to begin in the last week of December, instead of the first week as previously planned. The Privatisation Commission has announced that the privatization of PIA is now expected to take place at the end of December. PIA sources have indicated that companies reportedly interested in acquiring PIA include Fauji Fertilizer, Habib Rafique, Younus Brothers, and Airblue. According to PIA sources, four companies have been qualified to participate in the privatisation process. Any successful bidder will be required to make an additional investment of Rs30 to 40 billion. However, PIA’s domestic and international properties are excluded from the privatisation and have been transferred to the PIA Holdings Company. The privatisation will cover only the airline’s four main offices in Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Rawalpindi. PIA’s name and branding will remain unchanged after privatisation. Under the proposed business plan, the airline’s fleet will be expanded from 18 to 38 operational aircraft within four years.
PIA privatisation delayed again, expected in late December
Published on: November 28, 2025 2:58 AM