Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali said that under the government’s 2026 privatization plan, the process of transferring all loss-making commercial enterprises to the private sector is moving forward, while Pakistan International Airlines is being upgraded to resume flights from April with enhanced facilities meeting international standards.
Muhammad Ali, speaking exclusively to a local media channel, said that under the government’s 2026 privatization plan, six major institutions, including Pakistan Railways, ZTBL, the Roosevelt Hotel, DISCOs, and Pakistan International Airlines, have been placed on the privatization list and are scheduled to be privatized within the targeted timeline.
He added that work on the privatization process is progressing on a priority basis and emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure transparency, efficiency and timely completion of the process in line with the government’s broader reform agenda.
Talking about Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Adviser Ali said that the bidding process for PIA also being completed and following privatization, the airline’s services will be significantly improved.
He added that a CEO is being finalized and a comprehensive business plan has already been prepared.
Standards are being closely reviewed and improvements in services are underway, which passengers will witness firsthand, he said.
He confirmed that PIA will be handed over to the private sector and is expected to operate its first flight under the new management in April.
Furthermore, for DISCOs, Advisor said that five DISCOs, including Islamabad, Gujranwala and Faisalabad, are already in the advanced phase of privatization, while two other DISCOs are also being prepared for the process.
He emphasized that these reforms are crucial for restructuring the sector, reducing the tariff burden on consumers, and introducing modern technology to improve efficiency and service delivery.
In response to a query, Muhammad Ali said that purely commercial businesses will be handed over to the private sector, with five to six transactions planned under the 2026 privatization agenda.
He added that strategic institutions will remain under government control and will not be part of the privatization process, ensuring that key sectors of national importance continue to be managed by the state.