Four Companies in the Race
The Privatisation Commission informed the Senate panel that PIA may be privatised by November this year. Four companies are currently participating, but they must form consortiums with established airlines to operate the carrier successfully. Two applicants have already been disqualified for failing to meet eligibility standards. Committee chairman Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan highlighted that PIA’s massive Rs650 billion debt requires urgent solutions. He suggested selling the airline’s two international hotels to reduce liabilities.
Senators Question Profit-First Strategy
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada asked why the government is selling profitable companies first. The secretary responded that investors prefer profitable entities. He argued that even giving such companies away would still be a sound move since profitability may decline. Committee members, including Senators Khanzada, Umer Farooq, and Asad Qasim, stressed clarity on debt management and safeguarding state assets.
Focus on Energy Sector Privatisation
The panel also reviewed progress on privatising power distribution and generation companies. Officials reported that Nandipur and Guddu power plants are already on the list. Eight issues at Nandipur have been settled, with only one pending related to gas supply agreements. For Guddu, four of nine issues are resolved, though disputes remain over land transfer, still registered under WAPDA despite its NOC.
Path Forward for Privatisation
Senators insisted that energy supply agreements and debt restructuring must be resolved before privatisation proceeds. Without addressing these hurdles, the risk of failure remains high. The Privatisation Commission assured the panel that steps are underway to resolve outstanding disputes, particularly for Guddu and Nandipur.
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Strengthening Migration Governance
The launch aligns with international frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM). Both frameworks emphasize collective action, highlighting the urgent need to manage migration more effectively while safeguarding human rights.
Every year, hundreds of Pakistanis attempt dangerous journeys abroad through irregular routes in search of economic opportunities. Many face life-threatening risks and, in some cases, lose their lives. The establishment of the UNNM aims to address these challenges by fostering safe migration pathways and ensuring stronger protection mechanisms.
