Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that the bidding process for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be aired live on national television, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and merit.
He said the entire bidding round, scheduled for December 23, 2025, would be broadcast across all media channels so the public could witness the process firsthand. The announcement was made during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House with business leaders and company representatives participating in the privatisation exercise.
The prime minister said a smooth and credible transition was essential to restoring the airline’s reputation and aligning it with modern aviation standards. He noted that PIA’s reform and divestment process was progressing in a structured manner, with a strong focus on professional and corruption-free procedures.
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Shehbaz Sharif added that reviving PIA’s global routes would significantly benefit overseas Pakistanis by improving international connectivity, while a modernised national carrier would support the country’s tourism potential. He expressed hope that whichever bidder takes charge will work towards rebuilding the airline’s identity and ensuring long-term growth.
Participants at the meeting praised the government’s approach, calling the process transparent and professionally handled. The session was attended by all bidders, federal ministers, advisors, and senior officials involved in the privatisation round.