PM Shehbaz Sharif orders live broadcast of PIA privatisation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a high-level review meeting on Friday, directed that the ongoing privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) be broadcast live on television and digital platforms to ensure transparency.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to completing the privatisation process within the proposed timeline. As part of efforts to enhance investor engagement, he instructed officials to organise roadshows and implement a proactive outreach strategy.

During the meeting, officials provided updates on the bidding process, eligibility criteria, pre-conditions, and the investor outreach plan developed in collaboration with consultants. Federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahad Cheema, and Attaullah Tarar, along with Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, advisors Muhammad Ali and Syed Tauqir Shah, and other key officials attended the meeting.

The government has previously tightened conditions for prospective buyers to ensure that only financially sound parties participate in the privatisation process, barring provincial governments from taking part in the bidding.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali, informed journalists that prospective bidders would have until June 3 to express interest in acquiring a majority stake in PIA.

The revised Expression of Interest (EOI) for selling 51% to 100% shares, along with management control, has been issued, and the government aims to finalise the deal by the last quarter of this year.