Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to accelerate the privatisation process of PIA, while firmly stating that the airline’s name, branding and national identity will remain unchanged even after the sale. He issued these instructions during a detailed briefing on the current progress of the national carrier’s restructuring plan.
The prime minister emphasized that the privatisation must be completed quickly, transparently and in line with international standards. At the same time, he urged authorities to enhance PIA’s day-to-day operations by increasing the number of functional aircraft and ensuring timely and reliable flight schedules.
Officials briefed him that four bidders have now been shortlisted for the next stage. Under the government’s plan, 75 percent of PIA’s shares will be sold to a private investor, with strict conditions in place to protect the airline’s legacy, history and global identity.
The government also revealed its long-term vision to expand PIA’s fleet from the current 18 aircraft to 38 aircraft by 2029. This expansion aims to strengthen both international and domestic routes, improve service quality and support financial recovery.
The prime minister added that restructuring PIA is essential for stabilizing the aviation sector and reducing the financial strain on the national budget. Successful privatisation, he noted, will enable PIA to operate more efficiently and compete with leading global airlines.
With these new directives, the government aims to finalize the privatisation process soon and support PIA in becoming a modern and competitive carrier for Pakistani travelers.
