Published on, Sept. 2 -- September 2, 2025 2:25 PM

Pakistan is set to complete the long-delayed privatisation of its loss-making national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), by November 2025, officials informed the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization.

Four companies have been prequalified to bid for PIA, including a consortium of Lucky Cement, Hub Power Holdings, Kohat Cement, and Metro Ventures, alongside investment firm Arif Habib Corp. and partners.

Other bidders include Fauji Fertilizer Company, a military-backed conglomerate, and Pakistani airline Airblue. Officials noted that two applicants were disqualified for failing to meet required standards for the airline's operations.

The privatization plan requires pa...