Pakistan to invite fresh bids for PIA privatization

Pakistan's Privatization Commission will call for fresh expressions of interest for the privatization of the national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), sources told Nukta.

An official advertisement will be issued soon.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been informed that the government recently abolished Federal Excise Duty on international tickets to make them cheaper, reopened European routes, and is working on tax exemptions.

These measures aim to attract investors by presenting PIA as a streamlined, debt-free entity with growth potential.

Last month, Federal Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan announced reforms to address longstanding issues and facilitate PIA's privatization.

Additional structural changes are underway to enhance PIA's appeal to private investors. Key reforms include separating legacy liabilities through a holding company structure and eliminating historical dues.

These steps aim to create a clean slate for potential buyers, significantly improving the airline’s marketability and investment potential.