Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has proposed that her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, buy Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and transform it into “Air Punjab.”
Speaking to reporters in New York, Nawaz shared his daughter’s suggestion to revive the national airline, rebranding it and aiming to make it a leading carrier.
This proposal follows a bid from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, which offered over Rs10 billion to purchase PIA, as confirmed in a letter sent to the privatisation ministry on Friday. The Privatisation Commission had reopened bids after only one offer—Rs10 billion from Blue World City Consortium—fell far below the PIA’s estimated Rs85 billion valuation. With only one active bidder remaining, Pakistan is looking to divest a 51-100% stake in PIA to generate funds and overhaul state-owned enterprises, aligning with the conditions of a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
Final Auction for PIA Privatisation Scheduled for October 30th
Six bidders had initially been approved to participate in the process, but five withdrew, leaving only Blue World City Consortium.
In remarks to the Pakistani community, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif conveyed Maryam’s interest in purchasing PIA or establishing a new airline capable of reaching international destinations. “I believe discussions have taken place regarding this matter,” Nawaz said, noting his disappointment over PIA’s deterioration, recalling that he had to change flights to reach the United States.
Nawaz also blamed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for PIA’s decline, recalling comments from a former PTI minister in parliament questioning the qualifications of PIA pilots. Nawaz argued that such statements damaged PIA’s reputation, adding, “The person who raised concerns about licenses is now hiding. Even if the pilots did not have licenses, was that an acceptable comment to make?”