Web Desk — December 3, 2025
Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that the bidding process for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will take place on December 23, 2025, and will be telecast live across all media platforms in the country to ensure complete transparency.
During a high-profile meeting at the Prime Minister’s House with representatives of all pre-qualified bidders and business personalities interested in acquiring the national flag carrier, the premier reiterated that transparency and merit remain the government’s foremost priority in the privatisation exercise.
“PIA’s bidding will be held on 23rd December 2025 and will be broadcast live on television nationwide,” the prime minister declared, adding that the process is progressing smoothly to restore the airline’s lost glory and align it with modern requirements.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism that the new owner, whoever emerges successful, will dedicate full energies to reviving PIA’s reputation and making it once again live up to its historic slogan “Great People to Fly With.”
He emphasized that restoring PIA’s international routes will not only facilitate overseas Pakistanis but also prove instrumental in boosting the country’s tourism sector.
All bidders present at the meeting praised the government’s professional and transparent handling of the privatisation process.
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Privatisation Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Power Minister Awais Leghari, and other key officials, alongside representatives of all shortlisted consortia.
The December 23 live bidding marks the culmination of a long-delayed restructuring effort aimed at offloading the loss-making airline, which has been incurring billions in annual losses, to a strategic investor capable of turning it into a profitable and competitive entity.
