PM Shehbaz Announces PIA Privatization on December 23, Live Telecast of Bidding Across Pakistan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will take place on **December 23**, with the bidding process to be broadcast **live on national television** to ensure complete transparency and merit.

The Prime Minister made the announcement during a meeting with business leaders and representatives of companies participating in the privatization process.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government is committed to restoring PIA’s lost reputation and transforming the national carrier into a modern, competitive airline. He expressed confidence that PIA would soon reclaim its legacy of being “**Great People to Fly With**.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that transparency and merit are top priorities in the privatization process. He added that the restoration of PIA’s international flight operations will greatly facilitate overseas Pakistanis and support the growth of the country’s tourism sector.

He further stated that whoever takes charge of the airline after the bidding will be expected to focus their full efforts on rebuilding PIA’s image and ensuring its long-term progress.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Owais Leghari, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Adviser to PM Muhammad Ali, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and other senior officials. All registered bidders for PIA’s privatization were also present.

Participants praised the government for conducting a professional and transparent privatization process.