Employees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have officially submitted a joint bid to take ownership of the airline. They are asking for the first right to buy it before the final deadline on June 19. This move is being led by representatives from People’s Unity and SASA, two major employee groups within PIA.
The bid comes at a time when the government is working to privatize PIA as part of an economic reform plan supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government is offering to sell between 51% to 100% of the airline’s shares to private investors.
Fauji Fertilizer Company, a large Pakistani business group, has also shown interest and submitted its own bid.
PIA was recently split into two separate business units in 2024 as part of a restructuring effort. For the first time in years, the airline showed profits in 2024, raising hopes for a more stable future. The government plans to finalize the sale process sometime in 2025.
