PIA privatisation bidding begins today at 10:30am

December 23, 2025 (MLN): The Privatisation Commission, Government of Pakistan, is holding an open bidding today for the sale of a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), with the bid submission process underway from 10:30am.

Sealed bids are being submitted by pre-qualified bidders at 10:30 am, while the reference price for the transaction will be approved by the Privatisation Commission Board and the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation after the receipt of bids.

The bids will be opened in a formal ceremony starting at 3:30 pm in the presence of the bidders, during which the bid values and reference prices will be announced, and the biddingwill be concluded as per the agreed terms.

The entire process is being telecast live on television and streamed across digital platforms. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali, will hold a press conference after the conclusion of the bidding process.

The privatisation of PIA forms part of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s economic reform agenda, with the government reaffirming its commitment to a transparent, credible and rules-based privatisation process aimed at restoring the national carrier and returning “the legend to its glory.”

Striking a bullish tone during an interview on the upcoming live bidding for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Muhammad Ali highlighted the national carrier's substantial untapped commercial potential.

He added that PIA can be transformed into a profitable enterprise under private-sector management and professional governance.

The minister said that despite years of financial stress, PIA remains one of the most strategically positioned airlines in the region, supported by valuable air service agreements with 97 countries and premium landing and takeoff slots at major global airports.

The participating groups are fully capable of managing the national carrier despite not having prior experience running a large international airline, said Muhammad Ali.

He made the remarks while responding to concerns over the limited airline experience of bidders in the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Responding to questions during an interview with a private media channel, he said that airline management is not limited to aviation-specific backgrounds alone and that strong corporate governance, professional management, and financial capacity play a critical role in turning around complex organizations such as PIA.

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