Court Upholds PIA Privatization, Citing Transparency and Legal Compliance
Islamabad – The court has dismissed allegations of irregularities in the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatization process, ruling that the procedure was conducted in accordance with the law.
The petitioner had claimed a lack of transparency in the privatization process, but the court found that all steps complied with the Privatization Commission Ordinance, Articles 23 and 24, Article 173 of the Constitution, and the 2000 Ordinance.
The judgment highlighted that the government owns 96 percent of PIA shares and that a competitive sale was essential to help the airline overcome its financial crisis. It further stated that the Privatization Commission has acted lawfully and that the judiciary cannot interfere in economic policy matters.
The ruling reaffirmed that the privatization process was fair, transparent, and fully aligned with legal and constitutional requirements. Barrister Manal Tariq represented the Privatization Commission in court.
PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel Privatization Faces Delay
Meanwhile, the privatization of PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel in the United States has been delayed again, with the process for appointing a new financial advisor being restarted.
The Privatization Commission has invited fresh applications from companies interested in serving as financial advisors. Each application requires a non-refundable fee of $1,000 and must be submitted to the Commission in Islamabad by 2nd September.
Progress in the PIA Privatization Process
On the airline front, the PIA privatization process is moving forward, with one bidding company scheduled to visit PIA’s head office. Sources indicate that the company will inspect aircraft, review key airline records, and tour other critical facilities as part of its evaluation.
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