Federal Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan announced the government’s definitive plan to privatize Pakistan International Airline (PIA), promising a refined approach to the process.
During a press conference, Aleem disclosed that the law mandates privatization, a decision that was already in motion before he assumed his ministerial role. He noted that the framework for the privatization was beyond his power to alter as it had been finalized.
The minister expressed confidence that PIA could become profitable with better regulations and sufficient funding. He invited all provincial governments, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, to participate in the privatization process.
Aleem also highlighted his tenure as Minister for Communications, during which time he increased the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) earnings by Rs50 billion, a record for any state institution in Pakistan. He emphasized his commitment to national welfare, noting that he achieved these results without launching publicity campaigns or receiving governmental salaries or benefits. He also self-funded his international visits, including trips to Kuwait, Russia, and China.
Addressing the ongoing privatization, Aleem mentioned his recent meetings with the Privatisation Commission Board, the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP), and the Saudi Minister of Privatisation in Riyadh. He reassured that the privatization process was transparent and conducted in full view of the media and urged moving forward without dwelling on past grievances.
Aleem was optimistic about PIA’s potential, noting that it is the only airline offering direct flights from Pakistan to Europe and America, serving a population of 24 crore.
Simultaneously, reports surfaced about the Punjab government’s plans to launch ‘Punjab Air’ in collaboration with private investors. However, Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb denied any intention to participate in the PIA bidding.
This development came as former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail criticized provincial interests in acquiring state-run airlines, arguing that no government globally operates airlines and emphasizing that provinces should focus on education, health, and welfare instead of engaging in financial ventures. Miftah also remarked on the discouraging prerequisites for the PIA privatization, which had turned away potential bidders.
