Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially announced that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatisation bidding will take place on December 23, 2025, and the entire process will be broadcast live on national media. This marks a historic moment, as Pakistan prepares for the first major privatization in almost two decades, aiming to revive the country’s struggling national flag carrier.

The bidding process involves four pre-qualified groups, including some of Pakistan’s most powerful business entities. The federal government believes that privatising PIA is the only way to save the airline from continued losses and to restore its international reputation.

This article explains the complete details of the PIA bidding schedule, pre-qualified bidders, the privatisation process, and what this decision means for Pakistan’s aviation sector, economy, and overseas Pakistanis.

PIA Bidding on December 23, 2025 – A Major Step in Pakistan’s Aviation Reform

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the bidding will be held on December 23, and the entire event will be aired live on all TV channels. This move aims to show transparency and regain public trust in the government’s reform process.

The bidding is part of the government’s plan to sell 51% to 100% stake in PIA as part of the $7 billion IMF program, which requires Pakistan to reduce losses from state-owned enterprises.

The PM said the process is moving smoothly, transparently, and professionally, adding that PIA will soon regain its “lost prestige.”

Why PIA Privatisation Is Needed? – A Look at the Airline’s Financial Crisis

PIA has been facing massive financial losses for decades. Some key problems include:

Billions in annual losses
Old aircraft fleet
Poor management and corruption issues
Decreasing international routes
Loss of credibility in global markets

Because of these challenges, the IMF recommended reforms to reduce government losses by privatising major public sector entities.

Privatisation is expected to help:

Modernize PIA’s fleet
Improve service quality
Restore international flight operations
Reduce burden on Pakistan’s national budget

Four Pre-Qualified Bidders for PIA – Who Is Participating in the Auction?

The government has shortlisted four major companies/consortiums for the final bidding round:

1. Lucky Cement Consortium

Owned by business tycoon Muhammad Ali Tabba, Lucky Group is one of Pakistan’s most successful corporations with investments in energy, cement, automobiles, and technology.

2. Arif Habib Corporation Consortium

Arif Habib is a leading Pakistani business group with strong financial expertise, making it a potential game-changing investor for the aviation sector.

3. Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC)

Backed by various military-run organizations, FFC has massive financial strength and management capabilities.

4. Air Blue Limited

One of Pakistan’s established private airlines, Air Blue has experience in the aviation industry and may bring valuable operational improvements to PIA.

These groups are competing to acquire the controlling stake (51% to 100%) in PIA.

Live Media Broadcast – Ensuring Full Transparency in the Bidding

The government has announced that the entire bidding process will be televised live, which is extremely rare in Pakistan’s privatisation history.

This step aims to:

Build public trust
Avoid accusations of favoritism
Meet transparency standards required by the IMF
Provide confidence to international investors
Reduce political controversy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the government has adopted a professional and transparent process for selling the national airline.

PIA’s Global Operations Will Be Restored Soon, Says PM Shehbaz

The Prime Minister highlighted that once PIA is transferred to a capable private investor, the airline will:

Restore international routes
Expand destinations
Improve service quality
Provide convenience to overseas Pakistanis
Rebuild global confidence

Overseas Pakistanis are expected to benefit the most, as PIA can once again become a reliable and competitive airline for international travel.

How Will PIA Privatisation Improve Pakistan’s Aviation Sector?

Privatising PIA is expected to bring major positive changes:

✔ Modern Fleet & New Aircraft

Private investors will likely introduce new technology, better aircraft, and modern aviation standards.

✔ Better Management & Efficiency

Private companies are known for strict management, cost-control, and marketing strategies.

✔ Improved Customer Experience

Passengers may see:

Cleaner aircraft
Better food
Improved ticketing system
Timely flights
Professional cabin crew

✔ More International Destinations

Privatisation will help PIA regain approval from international aviation authorities.

✔ Less Burden on Pakistan’s Economy

Government will save billions in subsidies that were previously used to cover PIA’s losses.

Economic Significance of PIA Privatisation

This will be Pakistan’s first major privatisation in nearly 20 years, signaling:

Economic reform
Compliance with IMF program
Improved investor confidence
Possible inflow of foreign investment

Selling a loss-making airline is expected to reduce the country’s financial pressure and boost market confidence.

What Will Happen After the Bidding?

Once the bidding ends:

The winning bidder will be announced live.
Government and bidder will finalize the purchase agreement.
Ownership transfer will begin.
New management will take control.
PIA’s restructuring will start.

PM Shehbaz said that whoever wins must “focus all their energies” on restoring PIA and bringing it back to international aviation standards.

Public & Industry Reaction to PIA Privatisation

Industry experts say this is the right time to privatise PIA, as the airline’s financial situation cannot be fixed without major investment.

However, some employees and unions have concerns about:

Job security
Restructuring
Salary adjustments

The government has promised that employee rights will be protected as much as possible.

Will PIA Return to Its Former Glory?

PIA was once known worldwide for its excellence and even helped establish airlines like Emirates. With strong private investment, many believe PIA can regain:

International reputation
High-quality service
Strong route network

The national airline may once again become a source of pride for Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will PIA bidding take place?

The bidding will be held on December 23, 2025.

2. Will the PIA bidding be live?

Yes, the entire event will be broadcast live on all major media channels.

3. Who are the bidders?

Four bidders have been shortlisted:
Lucky Cement Consortium
Arif Habib Corporation Consortium
Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited
Air Blue Limited

4. How much stake is being sold?

The government is selling 51% to 100% stake in PIA.

5. Why is PIA being privatised?

Because PIA has been facing huge financial losses and the IMF requires the government to reduce loss-making enterpris

PIA Privatisation Bidding to Be Held on December 23, 2025 – PM Shehbaz Confirms Live Broadcast

PIA Bidding on December 23, 2025 – A Major Step in Pakistan’s Aviation Reform

Why PIA Privatisation Is Needed? – A Look at the Airline’s Financial Crisis