Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Latest Updates

Pakistan to Reopen PIA Bidding Process After Rejecting Rs10 Billion Offer

PIA Bidding Process

The Privatisation Commission of Pakistan has decided to reinitiate the bidding process for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after receiving an underwhelming bid of Rs10 billion, which fell far short of the Rs85 billion minimum valuation set for the national carrier.

The decision marks a significant setback for the government’s ongoing efforts to offload the debt-ridden airline and raise much-needed funds as part of its reform agenda under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

A second round of bidding is expected soon as Pakistan seeks to sell a stake of between 51% and 100% in PIA, with the goal of restructuring and revitalizing the financially struggling state-owned enterprise.

The initial bidding process, which commenced at 1:30 PM and concluded at 6:30 PM in Islamabad, saw the submission of just one bid, totaling Rs10 billion, by the Blue World City Consortium.

Despite earlier indications that six bidders had been pre-qualified to participate, five of the groups opted out at the last minute, leaving Blue World City as the sole participant.

The six shortlisted companies initially included Air Blue Limited, Arif Habib Corporation Limited, Fly Jinnah, YB Holdings Private, Pak Ethanol Private, and Blue World City. However, sources confirmed that only Blue World City met the deadline to submit final documents by Tuesday, making it the sole contender for PIA’s privatization.

The commission had hoped for a higher level of interest from potential buyers, but various concerns appear to have dissuaded other groups from participating.

Representatives from three companies that declined to bid cited apprehensions about the government’s ability to uphold long-term agreements, particularly given the country’s volatile political climate and the uncertainty of a new government.

One executive expressed worries about the lack of policy continuity, a concern amplified by the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which has struggled with internal political discord.

Additionally, potential bidders raised concerns about the government’s recent actions, including the cancellation of power purchase agreements with private companies earlier in the month, which have cast doubt on the government’s commitment to honoring contracts.

Changes in long-standing agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), many of which were financed by foreign lenders, have contributed to a growing perception that doing business in Pakistan entails significant risk, even when sovereign guarantees are involved.

Beyond policy concerns, other factors dissuading potential investors include the unattractive terms of the deal, high taxes in the aviation sector, and PIA’s legacy issues, including its poor financial performance and tarnished reputation.

Saad Nazir, chairman of Blue World City, confirmed his group’s Rs10 billion bid but acknowledged the challenging environment surrounding the airline’s privatization.

The government’s previous hesitation to privatize PIA stems from the unpopularity of the move, particularly due to the likelihood of significant layoffs. However, with PIA continuing to bleed resources, the current administration sees its sale as a crucial step in addressing the country’s economic woes.

Before the bidding process, the Cabinet’s Privatization Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, approved the sale of 60% of PIA’s shares.

The committee also finalized the reference price for the airline’s privatization, setting the stage for the upcoming bidding round. Whether the government can attract a more competitive bidding pool in the next phase remains to be seen, as potential investors weigh the risks and rewards of acquiring the troubled national carrier.

Written By

I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

TikTok influencer Minahil Malik recently addressed the unauthorized circulation of a video featuring her in a response posted on her TikTok account. In her...

Breaking News

A video allegedly featuring Dolphin Ayan, a well-known transgender figure in Peshawar, has gone viral on social media. In response, Ayan filed a police...

Breaking News

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was shocked upon arriving in China on Monday when no officials were there to greet her, prompting her to...

Latest Updates

Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari has revealed the name of her third son, Mir Zulfikar, born on October 20, 2024. The announcement was shared through her...