The Lahore High Court (LHC) has formally issued notices to the federal government and other concerned parties regarding a constitutional petition that challenges the ongoing privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The court has ordered all respondents to submit their detailed replies by June 18.
In its written directive, the court instructed the government’s legal representatives to ensure comprehensive responses from all involved stakeholders within the specified deadline. The bench further indicated that the matter will be revisited on the next hearing date to evaluate the submitted replies.
The petition raises significant concerns about alleged constitutional and legal breaches in the privatisation process of the national flag carrier. It warns that continuing under the current framework could lead to considerable financial losses for the national treasury, thereby harming public interest.
The federal government, Ministry of Defence, Privatisation Commission, and PIA have all been named as respondents in the petition. The plea argues that the airline’s assets and fleet were not properly assessed statutory requirements, casting doubt on the transparency and fairness of the multi-billion-rupee transaction.
Notably, the petitioner claims that the accelerated privatisation process bypassed crucial legal safeguards, failing to secure an accurate market valuation of PIA’s domestic and international assets. The court was urged to suspend the privatisation until a transparent and legally compliant audit of PIA’s valuation is completed.
After hearing initial arguments from the petitioner’s counsel, the court concluded the day’s proceedings and adjourned further hearings until June 18. Respondents have been put on notice to defend the transparency and legality of the privatisation framework during the next session.
