SC lifts ban on PIA privatisation; flight operations resumed

The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s constitutional bench has rescinded its earlier order halting the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), clearing the way for the government to proceed with the controversial plan.

During a hearing on the PIA privatisation case, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail expressed confidence in the government’s ability to carry out the privatisation process effectively and by the law. He emphasised the importance of the process being done properly.

The additional attorney general informed the court that the PIA administration had previously been allowed to hire new professionals, but the process had been delayed due to the ongoing privatisation plans. With the court’s latest decision, the privatisation process is now set to resume.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court lifted the ban on PIA’s flight operations, which had been imposed earlier. Justice Mandokhail clarified that the government was required to consult the court before proceeding with privatisation and asked if it was adhering to the court’s previous orders.

In response, the additional attorney general confirmed that the government had requested the court’s involvement in the privatisation process. Justice Aminuddin Khan noted that with the resumption of the privatisation process, PIA’s sale could now potentially fetch a higher value.