Pakistan’s President has formally approved the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Conversion (Repeal) Bill, marking a crucial legal milestone for the privatisation of the national carrier. This approval follows the bill’s passage in the Senate on June 10 and the National Assembly on June 11, enabling the government to advance its plans for PIA’s privatisation.
The president’s endorsement satisfies all legal requirements necessary to proceed with the airline’s restructuring and divestment. This repeal legislation is a significant part of the government’s broader strategy to reform and privatise state-owned enterprises that are struggling financially.
Government officials have emphasized that reforms in the aviation sector are vital to enhancing operational efficiency, easing the financial burden on the national budget, and attracting private sector investment. The privatisation of PIA is viewed as a key component of these efforts.
With this development, the privatisation programme is expected to gain momentum, as PIA remains one of the most closely monitored transactions by the government. Authorities have expressed optimism that restructuring and privatisation will lead to improved operational performance and financial stability for the airline.
Having secured the necessary legal framework through parliamentary approval and presidential assent, the government is now poised to move forward with the subsequent phases of the privatisation process.
