Pakistan, June 17 -- Employees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have submitted a joint bid to acquire the struggling national carrier, intensifying the competition ahead of the June 19 deadline. The offer was jointly filed by Hidayatullah Khan, President of the CBA-affiliated People's Unity, and Aqeel Siddiqui, head of the PIA Senior Staff Association (SASA).

The employees argue that they deserve the first right to purchase PIA, as the federal government pushes to privatize the airline after previous failed attempts. Alongside this employee-led bid, Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) also submitted an offer on June 16, adding to the list of serious contenders.

The government plans to sell between 51% and 100% of its shares i...