LAHORE / KARACHI: National airline PIA for sale, advertisements to appear in international market soon.
The government has accelerated steps to privatize PIA. Contacts with international investment groups have started. The auction will be advertised internationally. Investors from Turkey, Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, Germany, France and Netherlands have shown interest in buying PIA.
The PIA union has started preparations to react against privatisation. Pakistan has decided to hire the World Bank International Finance Corporation for the sale of PIA. Apart from all PIA ships and routes, various departments including engineering, catering and cargo will also be included in the deal.
It has been decided to outsource the three major airports of the country, Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Lahore, Islamabad Airport has been outsourced on trial basis.
According to the sources, the Ministry of Aviation authorities have been entrusted with the important responsibilities. Meetings with Pakistani ambassadors and investors with international companies will be persuaded to invest in outsourcing. Pakistani ambassadors abroad will be given a specific brief prepared by the Pakistan Aviation authorities.