Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the government will keep transparency and merit as its top priorities in the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and he added that officials will broadcast the bidding process live on television nationwide.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House with all business figures and company representatives participating in the bidding.
Transparency and Reform Drive
Sharif said the privatisation process is moving forward smoothly to restore the national carrier’s lost reputation and align it with modern aviation standards. He noted that televising the bidding on 23 December 2025 will ensure public confidence in the process.
Focus on Overseas Pakistanis and Tourism
The prime minister said that restoring PIA’s global routes will greatly benefit overseas Pakistanis by improving travel convenience. Moreover, he stressed that modernising the airline is essential for boosting Pakistan’s tourism sector, which depends on reliable and competitive air travel.
Expectations from Prospective Buyers
Sharif expressed optimism that whichever bidder wins the contract will dedicate full efforts to rebuilding PIA’s reputation and driving its future growth. He urged participants to focus on long-term development and operational excellence.
The meeting concluded with the prime minister reiterating that the 23 December bidding will be broadcast live on all media platforms to ensure complete transparency.
