PIA privatisation finalised

ISLAMABAD: Rejecting all objections from workers’ unions, the Ministry of Privatisation has issued a speaking order for the completion of the process for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

In a detailed decision under directives of the Lahore High Court, Privatisation Secretary Hammad Hashmi wrote that the entire process leading to the privatisation of the national flag carrier was completed under the law, and none of the objections raised by the workers’ union “Peoples’ Unity’ and others had any legal standing.

“None of the allegations raised by the petitioners/objectors establishes any constitutional violation, statutory breach, arbitrariness, mala fide, or infringement of fundamental rights. The privatisation of PIACL has been undertaken within the bounds of constitutional authority, statutory mandate, and settled principles governing the privatisation process under the privatisation laws and regulations. These petitions are dismissed,” he wrote, effectively closing all disputes.

Ministry rejects workers’ objections, cites compliance with law

On Jan 23, the Lahore High Court had ordered the petitioners to appear before the privatisation secretary who was required to hear them out and issue a speaking order.

The secretary rejected the objection that privatisation should have been placed before the Council of Common Interest as required under Article 154 of the constitution, saying the CCI approval was already in the field, given its inclusion in the sale list. “The transaction squarely falls within the executive authority of the Federation under Article 173 of the constitution, which expressly empowers the Federal Government to dispose of its property and to make contracts,” the order held.

Mr Hashmi also rejected the objection regarding a violation of Section 3(3) of the PIAC Conversion Act 2016, saying the said section was removed by Parliament through an amendment in 2023. The privatisation process, having been initiated after the removal of the statutory restriction, was, therefore, fully compliant with the prevailing legal framework.

The secretary also rejected the allegation of undervaluation of PIA’s international and domestic slots. The objectors had claimed a Rs270bn value for international slots and Rs19bn for domestic slots. However, the secretary noted that these assertions were unsupported by any credible material, independent valuation report, or admissible evidence. Bald figures stated in pleadings, without substantiation, cannot form the basis for judicial interference in a commercial transaction.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2026



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