PIA privatization finalised after worker objections dismissed

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Privatisation has dismissed all objections raised by workers’ unions regarding the privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). This move comes after a detailed decision issued under directives from the Lahore High Court.

In his ruling, Privatisation Secretary Hammad Hashmi stated that the entire process leading to PIA’s privatization was completed legally. He also clarified that none of the objections raised by “Peoples’ Unity” and other unions had any legal standing. “There is no constitutional violation or statutory breach in this process,” he explained.

Hashmi emphasized that the privatisation of the national flag carrier has been carried out within the bounds of constitutional authority, statutory mandate, and established principles governing privatization under relevant laws and regulations. Consequently, all disputes have now been dismissed effectively.

In a detailed response to objections raised by petitioners, Hashmi highlighted several key points in his decision:

– He rejected an argument that PIA’s privatisation should be submitted before the Council of Common Interest (CCI) as stipulated by Article 154 of the constitution. According to Hashmi, CCI approval was already included in the sale list.

– The secretary also refuted claims about a violation of Section 3(3) of the PIA Conversion Act 2016, stating that this section was subsequently removed through an amendment by Parliament in 2023. Therefore, the privatisation process, initiated after the removal of statutory restrictions, fully complies with prevailing legal frameworks.

– Regarding undervaluation claims, Hashmi noted that these assertions were not supported by credible material such as independent valuation reports or admissible evidence. Assertions unsupported by substantiation cannot serve as grounds for judicial interference in a commercial transaction.