Advertisement

Maryam Nawaz Eyes PIA Purchase, Considers ‘Air Punjab’ Rebrand

Advertisement

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?”

Advertisement
News Desk

Recent Posts

Pakistan Enters Top 100 of Global Passport Index, Eyes Further Gains with Digital Upgrades

Pakistan’s passport has made a notable leap in global mobility rankings, entering the top 100…

7 hours ago

International Survey Reveals Pakistanis Support Actions to Address Climate Change

An international survey conducted across 17 total countries, including Pakistan, was commissioned by the Global…

7 hours ago

Pakistan’s first AI data center launched

Data Vault Pakistan has officially launched the country’s first AI-focused data center in Karachi, a…

7 hours ago

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to Represent Country at Ambiente Frankfurt 2026

Ambiente Frankfurt 2026, the world’s leading international trade fair for consumer goods, is set to…

7 hours ago

LuckyOne Mall Launches SIMT: A Career Counseling Initiative Honoring Pakistan’s Unsung Heroes

In a powerful demonstration of purpose-driven leadership, LuckyOne Mall—one of Pakistan’s premier lifestyle destinations—has unveiled…

7 hours ago

Over 7 million streaming accounts’ credentials were leaked in 2024: Kaspersky Report

In a new report, Kaspersky identified over 7 million compromised accounts belonging to streaming services…

7 hours ago