KP pushes for entering PIA privatisation bid

• KP’s offer would exceed Rs10 billion bid from Blue World Consortium.
• Province highlights commitment to preserving PIA as a national asset.
• KP government pledges strong backing for PIA’s revival and national interests.
  

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has once again written to the privatisation minister to participate in the privatisation of national airline PIA.

In its first correspondence on November 1, the KP government formally conveyed its readiness to submit a competitive bid for PIA, surpassing the current highest offer of Rs10 billion made by the Blue World Consortium.

In a follow-up letter addressed to Federal Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan, Hassan Masood Kunwar, Vice-Chairman of the KP Board of Investment and Trade (KP-BOIT), mentioned that 10 days had passed since the initial proposal and that the board was now seeking an update on the matter.

The letter emphasised the strategic importance of the acquisition, highlighting strong support from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the KP Investment Board, and requested an update on the status of the proposal.

The KP government reiterated its commitment to preserving and revitalising PIA, aiming to maintain its legacy as the national flag carrier.

The letter noted that the KP leadership was prepared to offer significant resources and support to achieve these objectives, with a vision to return PIA to prominence while aligning with Pakistan’s national interests.

Additionally, the KP-BOIT indicated its readiness to discuss the proposal in greater detail at the federal government’s convenience.

The letter expressed that the province’s trade and investment body was prepared to engage at the earliest opportunity to elaborate on its strategic vision and competitive bid, which reflects KP’s commitment to Pakistan’s aviation sector and its role as a stakeholder within the federation.

Gandapur had earlier alleged that it has come before the nation that what was the intentions of Sharif family and they are seeking to buy PIA “for next to nothing.”

Gandapur emphasised K-P's commitment to public service, stating that the province would retain the PIA name if successful in the bid.