Karachi, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Aviation, Air Marshal (Retd) Farhat Hussain Khan, informed the Senate today that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is underway as part of the government’s policy to privatize loss-making entities. The process, he assured, is being conducted transparently through an open tender system.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during the Question Hour in the Senate, the Adviser elaborated that PIA’s privatization is initially focusing on its flight entity. Decisions regarding the airline’s other properties will be determined later by the Privatization Commission. This strategic approach aims to streamline the airline’s operations and enhance its profitability.

In addition to PIA’s privatization, Air Marshal Khan also mentioned that the outsourcing of some airports in the country is part of an effort to improve their management. This step is seen as a move towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of airport operations in Pakistan.

The Senate session, however, was adjourned due to a lack of quorum and is scheduled to reconvene on Friday at 10:30 in the morning.

The decision to privatize PIA reflects the government’s broader strategy to reform and revitalize state-owned enterprises that have been consistently underperforming. The transparent and strategic nature of this privatization process is pivotal in ensuring the successful turnaround of PIA, a key national asset, and fostering a more competitive and efficient aviation sector in Pakistan.