Business Desk 
Apr 24, 2025
A PIA plane at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan January 29, 2024. — Reuters
As Pakistan’s aviation sector has long been reeling with longstanding loss-making, the government has officially restarted the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from both local and international investors.
Buyers submitting EOIs will be acquiring a majority stake in Pakistan's national carrier. Between 51% and 100% of PIA shares will be up for sale, alongside management control, ProPakistani reported, citing the Privatisation Commission.
Bidders who will have applied to take over the PIA will be granted a deadline of June 3 to submit EOIs,
It was also learned that the government is offering tempting incentives in a bid to lure buyers, which also includes an exemption from the 18% general sales tax imposed on new aircraft purchases or leases.
It's worth adding that some liabilities on PIA’s balance sheet will be transferred to the government to improve PIA’s financial position. This initiative is part of economic reforms made to minimise the burden of loss-making state enterprises.
The development comes on the heels of PIA posting its first annual profit in over two decades, a milestone which has improved the prospective outlook of the company.
Earlier PIA privatisation attempts proved to be botched because of insignificant bids. This time, however, the government has set aside key concerns.
