ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), directing the government to accelerate the airline’s privatization and strengthen its operational capacity.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif said, “All steps regarding PIA’s privatization must be completed swiftly and transparently.”
He added that the government will develop a roadmap to increase the number of airworthy aircraft and ensure timely departures for all flights.
The briefing presented to the prime minister outlined that four parties have pre-qualified for the upcoming privatization bidding process, and that 75% of PIA’s shares will be sold.
Sharif emphasized that “the airline’s name and branding will not be changed after privatization.”
Under the business plan presented at the meeting, the number of operational aircraft in PIA’s fleet will increase from 18 to 38 by 2029. Currently serving over 30 cities, the airline’s network is projected to expand to more than 40 cities by 2029.
The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif; Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar; Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Khan Cheema; Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb; the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Privatization Muhammad Ali, and senior officials.
PM Sharif highlighted the strategic importance of the plan, saying, “This initiative will strengthen PIA as a competitive, modern airline, ensuring better services for passengers while maintaining its national identity.”
The Prime Minister’s Office concluded that the government is committed to implementing the privatization and fleet expansion “in a manner that benefits the public, preserves the airline’s heritage, and promotes Pakistan’s aviation sector globally.”
